Radiation therapy for cancer that has spread to the brain and spinal cord

Plain-English translation of NCT06910761 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2025 · 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 trial is testing photon craniospinal irradiation (a type of radiation therapy that targets the entire brain and spinal cord) in patients with advanced breast cancer or non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to the leptomeninges — the protective layers of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Researchers want to see if this treatment can stop or slow this type of cancer spread, improve how long patients survive, and understand how it affects quality of life.

When breast or lung cancer spreads to the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, it is very difficult to treat and patients typically have few options. This trial exists to see if a more comprehensive radiation approach can help patients with this serious condition live longer and maintain their quality of life.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old
you have been diagnosed with advanced (stage IV) breast cancer or non-small cell lung cancer
cancer has spread to the protective membranes around your brain and spinal cord, confirmed by imaging or spinal fluid testing
you are healthy enough to tolerate treatment, with acceptable blood counts and kidney function
you are able to read and understand English or Spanish, or can use a certified interpreter for questionnaires
if you are a woman of childbearing age, you are not pregnant and agree to use birth control during the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you have received chemotherapy or other cancer drugs within 7 days before the trial starts
you have had prior radiation to your head or spine that would make this new radiation unsafe
you have severe neurological symptoms or brain inflammation that would make treatment too risky
you have untreated or uncontrolled cancer spread throughout your body beyond the brain and spinal cord
you are pregnant or breastfeeding

What participation looks like

You will receive radiation therapy once a day, Monday through Friday, for 10 total treatments over 2–3 weeks. During the trial, you will have brain and spinal cord imaging (MRI scans), blood tests, and samples of spinal fluid taken before, during, and after treatment. You will also complete questionnaires about your quality of life, anxiety, and thinking and memory. After treatment ends, you will have follow-up visits at 1 month and then every 3 months for up to 1 year to monitor how you are doing.

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

Radiation therapy for cancer that has spread to the brain and spinal cord

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(2 sites)