Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Measuring and Mapping Cognitive Decline After Brain Radiosurgery

This study investigates how a precise type of radiation treatment called Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) affects brain function and overall well-being in people with brain tumours like metastases or meningiomas. Doctors don't currently know how much SRS impacts brain function. By using simple tests and questionnaires, along with MRI scans, the research aims to identify which parts of the brain are most affected. This knowledge could help doctors adjust future SRS treatments to protect these important brain areas, hopefully leading to fewer side effects and a better quality of life for patients. The study involves two groups, some patients will be followed over time, and others will provide information from a single point in time.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

21 Jun 2024

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Brain Metastases Meningiomas Stereotactic Radiosurgery Cognitive Decline Quality of Life SRS

What is this study about?

You might be reading this because you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, such as brain metastases (cancer that has spread to the brain) or a meningioma (a non-cancerous growth). Doctors sometimes use a very focused radiation treatment called Stereotactic Radiosurgery, or SRS, for these conditions. While SRS is very effective at treating the tumours, doctors don't fully understand if, or how much, it affects how your brain works – things like memory, thinking, or concentration. This study aims to shed light on this important question.

Understanding any short-term or long-term effects of SRS is really important. For example, people with brain metastases might have a shorter life expectancy, but someone with a meningioma could live for many years. Because SRS is used for both groups, knowing its impact on brain function and quality of life is key to making treatment as good as possible. Currently, regular tests of brain function aren't a standard part of care for people with brain tumours, so this study hopes to fill that gap.

The main goal of this research is to pinpoint which specific areas of the brain are most likely to be affected by SRS. By understanding this, doctors could potentially plan future treatments in a way that reduces the radiation dose to these sensitive areas. This could help make sure that while the tumour is treated effectively, side effects on brain function are minimised, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients in the future.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand how focused brain radiation (SRS) affects brain function.
It could help doctors reduce side effects of SRS treatment in the future.
Participants will complete simple brain function tests and questionnaires.
The study involves people with brain metastases or meningiomas.
It's an 'observational' study, meaning your treatment won't change.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over. You might be eligible if you have brain metastases or a meningioma that will be treated with Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS). You'll also need to be generally well enough to take part and have a life expectancy of at least six months. It’s important that you haven't had previous brain surgery or other brain radiation treatments (like other types of radiotherapy to the brain).

There's also a group in the study for people who have already had SRS for a meningioma at least a year ago. For this group, we'd need to see that your most recent MRI scan (within the last year) shows that your condition is stable. Again, you shouldn't have had other brain surgery or brain radiation treatments (apart from SRS).

For everyone, being able to understand the study and agree to take part is a key requirement. If you've had previous brain surgery or other types of brain radiation (excluding SRS for the retrospective group), you likely won't be able to join this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have brain metastases or a meningioma?
Will you be treated with Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)? (Or have you had it for a meningioma at least a year ago?)
Have you NOT had previous brain surgery or other brain radiation (excluding SRS for the retrospective group)?
Are you generally well and have a life expectancy of at least 6 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, what you do depends on which group you're in.

**Group 1** participants (people about to receive SRS) will have questionnaires and a simple brain function test (called the MoCA) before their SRS treatment. You'll then repeat these tests every three months for a year.

**Group 2** participants (people who had SRS for meningioma at least a year ago) will complete the MoCA test and quality-of-life questionnaires just once.

For both groups, the researchers will also look at your existing MRI scans and details of your SRS treatment plan. There are no medications involved in the study. All participants will be recruited from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly treat your illness, but the information gathered could help doctors improve SRS treatments for future patients, potentially leading to fewer side effects. The potential risks are very low; you'll spend some time completing questionnaires and simple tests. There are no physical risks associated with these assessments. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)?

SRS is a very focused type of radiation treatment that delivers a high dose to a specific area of the brain, usually in a single session.

What is 'cognitive decline'?

Cognitive decline refers to changes in brain functions like memory, thinking, concentration, or problem-solving abilities.

What is the MoCA test?

The MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) is a brief test to check different areas of brain function, like attention, memory, and language skills.

Will taking part in this study change my treatment?

No, this study is observational, meaning it gathers information. It will not change your planned medical treatment or care.

Who is funding this research?

This initial study is being funded by the Midlands Mental Health and Neurosciences Network.