Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

PET-DOPA Metabolic Detection and Characterization of Untreated Brain Metastases of Bronchial, Breast and Melanoma Cancer (DOPACER)

This research study, named DOPACER, is looking for a better way to spot brain tumours that have spread from lung, breast, or skin cancer. These are known as brain metastases. We are focusing on newly found tumours that are larger than 5mm and have already been seen on a regular MRI scan. The main goal is to compare a special type of scan, called a PET-DOPA scan, with the usual MRI scan. We want to see if the PET-DOPA scan can find more of these tumours or give us more information about them. The study uses a special injection called Dopacis just before the PET-DOPA scan. This is a Phase II study, which means it's an early-stage trial trying to find out if this new scan method is helpful.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

Sponsor

Institut De Cancerologie De L Ouest

Enrolment target

Start

04 Jul 2024

patients with newly discovered brain metastases (non-small cell lung cancer breast cancer or melanoma) measuring more than 5 mm and explored on MRI

What is this study about?

This study, called DOPACER, is looking into a new way to find and understand brain tumours that have spread from other cancers like lung, breast, or melanoma (a type of skin cancer). When cancer spreads to the brain, these new growths are called brain metastases. Currently, doctors use MRI scans to find these tumours. This study wants to see if a different type of scan, called a PET-DOPA scan, can give us more information than an MRI, especially for tumours that are at least 5mm in size.

To do this, people taking part will have a special liquid called Dopacis injected into them before their PET-DOPA scan. This liquid helps the tumours show up more clearly on the scan. The main purpose is to compare the number of tumours found by the PET-DOPA scan with the number found by the MRI scan. We want to see if the PET-DOPA scan can find more tumours, or give doctors a clearer picture of them.

The study also aims to learn more about these brain tumours. For example, it will look at how brightly different types of tumours show up on the scan, based on where the original cancer came from (like specific types of lung, breast, or melanoma cancer). This could help doctors understand the tumours better and potentially guide future treatment decisions. This is an exploratory study, meaning we are learning new information about this scanning method.

Key takeaways

The study uses a PET-DOPA scan to find brain tumours spread from lung, breast, or skin cancer.
It compares the PET-DOPA scan results with standard MRI scans for newly found tumours over 5mm.
The goal is to learn if PET-DOPA can give more or better information about these tumours.
Participation involves an injection of Dopacis and a PET-DOPA scan.
It's open to adults aged 18 and over, both men and women.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adult patients, meaning anyone 18 years old or older. Both men and women can take part.

You would be considered for this study if you have recently been told that cancer has spread to your brain, and these new tumours (called brain metastases) are from lung cancer (non-small cell type), breast cancer, or melanoma (a type of skin cancer). Importantly, these brain tumours must already show up on an MRI scan and be larger than 5mm.

There might be other health conditions or medications that would mean this study isn't right for you, so the study doctors will check all your medical information carefully to make sure it's safe for you to participate.

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?
Have you recently been told you have new brain tumours (metastases)?
Did these brain tumours originally come from lung, breast, or melanoma cancer?
Have your brain tumours already been seen on an MRI scan?
Are these brain tumours larger than 5 millimetres (about the size of a pea)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have a special scan called a PET-DOPA scan. Before this scan, you will receive an injection of a liquid called Dopacis. This is in addition to any regular MRI scans you would normally have as part of your care. The study will involve carefully comparing the results of your PET-DOPA scan with your MRI scan. We will also look at how different types of tumours show up on the PET-DOPA scan. The total duration of your participation in the study is not specified, but it will involve at least one PET-DOPA scan and follow-up to collect and analyse the scan results.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any medical study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is that the PET-DOPA scan might give doctors more detailed information about your brain tumours, which could help improve our understanding of them. This study might not directly benefit you, but it could help future patients with similar conditions. Potential risks include those associated with having an injection and a scan, such as a small risk of allergic reaction to the injection or discomfort during the scan. You can 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.

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Unverified
France

Common questions

What is a PET-DOPA scan?

It's a special type of scan that helps doctors see how active cells are in your body. In this study, it's used to look at brain tumours, using a special liquid to make them visible.

Why are you studying lung, breast, and melanoma cancer?

These are common types of cancer that can sometimes spread to the brain. This study wants to see if the PET-DOPA scan is particularly useful for finding and understanding these specific types of brain tumours.

Will this study change my current cancer treatment?

This study is mainly about how we *find* and *understand* brain tumours. It's not designed to change your current treatment plan, but the information learned might help doctors think about future treatments.

What is Dopacis?

Dopacis is the name of the special liquid you'd be injected with before the PET-DOPA scan. It helps the brain tumours show up more clearly on the scan so doctors can get a better picture.

Do I have to pay to join this study?

No, you should not have to pay to participate in a clinical trial. All study-related procedures and the Dopacis injection would be covered by the study.