Brain imaging screening for advanced breast cancer patients

Plain-English translation of NCT05115474 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This research study is investigating whether screening brain MRIs—a type of detailed imaging scan—can help doctors find cancer that has spread to the brain earlier in people with advanced breast cancer. Right now, doctors typically only do brain imaging when patients have symptoms like headaches or neurological problems. This study wants to see if finding brain involvement earlier, before symptoms appear, could help improve treatment outcomes.

Cancer that spreads to the brain is a serious concern for people with advanced breast cancer, but doctors currently have no standard way to screen for it early. This study exists to understand whether routine brain imaging could catch this complication sooner, when treatment options might be more effective.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body
you have advanced breast cancer and have already received initial chemotherapy or targeted treatment
you are 18 years or older
you are generally healthy enough to tolerate medical procedures, with a life expectancy of at least 6 months
you do not currently have any neurological symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or confusion

You likely don't qualify if…

you have previously been diagnosed with or treated for cancer that spread to your brain
you have a history of other cancers that have not been cancer-free for at least 2 years
you have severe kidney disease or kidney failure
you cannot safely undergo an MRI with contrast dye due to allergies or medical conditions
your doctor already believes you need a brain MRI based on neurological symptoms or other medical reasons

What participation looks like

If you enroll, you will have an initial brain MRI scan as part of the study. You'll then have a second brain MRI scan either 6 months later or sooner if your cancer progresses—whichever happens first. The study involves visits to the cancer center for these imaging appointments and requires you to be willing to follow all study procedures for the duration of your participation.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

United States

Morton Plant Mease- Baycare, Clearwater, Florida

Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida