Recruiting

Testing fluid samples to detect cancer spread to the brain

Plain-English translation of NCT07476781 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

Researchers want to understand whether collecting and testing cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid around your brain and spinal cord) can better detect when cancer has spread to the brain. Currently, doctors mostly rely on blood tests to look for cancer markers, but these blood tests don't always catch brain spread well. This pilot study will collect both spinal fluid and blood samples from patients with advanced solid cancers to see if spinal fluid provides better information about brain involvement.

When cancer spreads to the brain, it can be very hard to detect using standard blood tests alone. Since the spinal fluid surrounds the brain and spine directly, it may contain better clues about cancer in that area. This study aims to figure out whether analyzing this spinal fluid could help doctors spot brain metastases earlier and more reliably.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with advanced (metastatic) solid cancer
you have cancer that has spread to the brain (with or without other brain involvement), or cancer that has spread outside the brain but not to the brain
you are able to have a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or have an existing Ommaya reservoir that can be accessed safely
you are willing and able to understand and sign an informed consent form
you can enroll at any point in your cancer treatment journey, whether before or after starting treatment

You likely don't qualify if…

you cannot or will not provide informed consent to participate
you have a contraindication to lumbar puncture, such as an active infection at the puncture site, severe bleeding problems, very low platelet counts, or use of blood-thinning medications that cannot be safely paused
you have severe brain swelling or a large tumor mass that poses a risk of brain herniation
you have spinal hardware or other anatomical factors that make lumbar puncture unsafe

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you will have one visit where doctors will collect spinal fluid through either a lumbar puncture (a needle inserted in the lower back) or through an existing Ommaya reservoir (a small port under the skin). At the same visit, a blood sample will also be drawn. The collected samples will be tested in the laboratory to look for signs of cancer, and researchers may perform additional protein analysis on the samples. The entire process is a one-time event, though the researchers may ask you to return if your cancer progresses and they want to collect additional samples.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 6, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Canada

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario