Testing targeted radiation pulses timed with cancer drug therapy

Plain-English translation of NCT07139990 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated November 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new approach called PULSAR—personalized, ultra-high-dose radiation therapy given in short 'pulses' timed with your regular cancer medications. The study has two separate groups: one for people with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, and one for people with solid tumors that have spread to the brain. Researchers believe that delivering radiation at the right moment during your chemotherapy and immunotherapy might help the treatments work better together and improve survival.

Current standard treatment for advanced lung cancer and brain tumors has helped some patients, but outcomes remain disappointing—people still face short survival times and uncertain response. This trial exists to test whether carefully timed, focused radiation can be safely combined with your regular medications to improve how well the treatments work and help you live longer.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old
you have been diagnosed with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (or, for the brain tumor group, solid tumors with brain metastases) confirmed by biopsy or imaging within the past 6 months
you are scheduled to receive or are already receiving standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with no more than 3 cycles completed
you are healthy enough (based on your doctor's assessment) to tolerate radiation therapy to your chest or brain
you have not had previous radiation therapy to your chest (lung group) or whole brain (brain tumor group)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had prior radiation therapy to your chest (for lung cancer) or whole brain (for brain tumors)
you have had previous surgery or focused radiation to a brain tumor lesion you would enroll in this study
you have leptomeningeal disease (cancer spread to the fluid around your brain and spinal cord)

What participation looks like

If you join the lung cancer group, you will receive three short, high-dose radiation treatments to the largest tumors in your chest, each timed just before certain cycles of your chemotherapy and immunotherapy—this typically happens over several months. If you join the brain tumor group, you will receive radiation treatments on alternating days over about 1–2 weeks, with repeat planning scans to adjust the treatment as your tumors respond. Throughout the trial, your doctors will monitor you closely for side effects and track how well the combined treatment is working.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Ut Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas