Recruiting

Timing of brain radiation therapy with a targeted lung cancer drug

Plain-English translation of NCT05768490 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2023 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether the timing of brain radiation therapy matters for people with lung cancer that has spread to the brain. All participants will take a medication called , which is designed to target a specific genetic mutation in lung cancer cells. The study compares two groups: one group receives radiation therapy to the brain early (within one month of starting the medication), and the other group receives it later (only if the cancer grows in the brain).

Doctors are uncertain about the best timing for combining brain radiation therapy with this type of targeted medication. Some patients may benefit from treating brain tumors right away, while others might do just as well waiting to see if the cancer progresses. This study will help determine which approach gives patients the best outcomes and quality of life.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer confirmed by biopsy or cell sample
you have fewer than five tumors in your brain that have not been treated before
your cancer has a specific genetic mutation (EGFR mutation) that makes it sensitive to targeted therapy
you have never taken EGFR inhibitor drugs or other similar targeted cancer medications
you are between 18 and 75 years old

You likely don't qualify if…

you have received radiation therapy to your brain previously
you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
you have taken EGFR inhibitor medications or other targeted cancer drugs before this trial
you have serious lung scarring or active infection, uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart failure, or liver or kidney disease
you cannot swallow pills or have an active stomach ulcer that prevents oral medication absorption

What participation looks like

You will take the targeted medication () by mouth daily throughout the study. Depending on which group you are randomly assigned to, you will either receive stereotactic radiation therapy (a precise form of brain radiation) within one month of starting the medication, or you will wait and receive it only if your brain tumors grow during treatment. You will have regular visits for blood tests, brain imaging scans (MRI), and lung imaging to monitor how you are doing, and you may be asked about your thinking abilities and quality of life.

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

Timing of brain radiation therapy with a targeted lung cancer drug

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations