Annual Brain MRI Surveillance for Detection of Brain Metastasis in Patients With Lung Cancer (NCT07646041) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Annual Brain MRI Surveillance for Detection of Brain Metastasis in Patients With Lung Cancer
229,323 participantsStarted 2012-01-01
Plain-language summary
This retrospective observational study will evaluate the effectiveness of periodic brain magnetic resonance imaging surveillance for detecting brain metastasis in patients with lung cancer. Using linked nationwide claims and cancer registry data from Korea, the study will emulate a sequence of monthly target trials among patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer and no prior brain metastasis.
At each monthly trial, eligible patients will be classified according to whether they receive active brain MRI surveillance or remain in an inactive surveillance state. The main analysis will define the active surveillance period as one year after brain MRI. A sensitivity analysis will define the active surveillance period as two years. Patients may re-enter later trials if they again become eligible. Patients will be excluded from a given trial if they have recent neurologic symptoms suggesting diagnostic MRI, prior brain MRI within the preceding surveillance interval, brain metastasis, or death.
The primary objective is to assess whether annual brain MRI surveillance increases detection of brain metastasis. Secondary objectives are to evaluate whether surveillance-detected brain metastases are more likely to be asymptomatic or potentially treatable, and whether surveillance-detected brain metastasis is associated with lower mortality among patients who develop brain metastasis.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
\- Patients will be eligible if they have newly diagnosed lung cancer between 2012 and 2021
Exclusion Criteria:
* Prior brain MRI within the preceding within 1 year
* Incident brain metastasis before trial entry.
* Recent neurologic symptoms, emergency department use, hospital admission, neurologic consultation, or prescriptions for dexamethasone, mannitol, levetiracetam, or valproate within prespecified time windows around the MRI date.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial tracked lung cancer patients with annual brain MRIs to catch brain metastases early — can you tell me whether my specific type and stage of lung cancer would put me at enough risk of brain metastases to make routine brain MRI surveillance worth discussing for my own care?
2Since this trial is already completed, has any data come out yet showing whether catching brain metastases early through annual MRI actually led to better outcomes compared to waiting for symptoms to appear?
3Are there downsides to annual brain MRI surveillance I should know about, such as incidental findings, anxiety from frequent scanning, or situations where earlier detection might not change my treatment options?
4Based on what this trial was measuring — how often new brain metastases showed up — does my oncologist already use any standard brain monitoring approach for patients like me, and how does it compare to what this study was testing?
5If surveillance MRI isn't yet a standard recommendation for my situation, what warning signs or symptoms should I watch for that might suggest a brain metastasis has developed?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Incident brain metastasis.
Timeframe: From each monthly trial baseline to incident brain metastasis, death, censoring, or end of follow-up, whichever occurs first (max 10 years).