RecruitingObservational

A study to see if earlier and more hormonal testing can detect problems sooner in patients who have had radiotherapy treatment for brain tumours

The ENDORADS study aims to find out if checking hormone levels more frequently after radiotherapy for a brain tumour can help identify and treat problems sooner. Currently, these levels are often only checked once, a year after treatment. This study will test hormone levels every four months for two years, hoping to catch any issues earlier to potentially reduce long-term health problems. Researchers are also looking at how well this new testing schedule works for both patients and hospitals. It's for people aged up to 25 who have had specific radiotherapy to their brain, and a doctor will check if you can take part. The study runs from April 2026 to September 2028 and is funded by Stand Up To Cancer and Cancer Research UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

Start

02 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Tumour of the central nervous system where 10Gy or more radiotherapy has been received to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland

What is this study about?

When people have radiotherapy for brain tumours, especially in certain areas of the brain, their hormone levels can sometimes be affected. This is because the treatment can impact the brain's 'control centre' that manages hormones. These hormone problems might not show up right away, but could develop over time and can affect your health in the long run.

Currently, doctors usually check hormone levels about a year after radiotherapy finishes. The ENDORADS study wants to see if checking these levels more often – every four months for two years – could help doctors find any problems much sooner. If problems are found earlier, treatment can start earlier too, which might help prevent or lessen potential long-term health issues.

Beyond just finding problems sooner, the study will also look at how practical this more frequent testing is. This means they will check if it works well for patients and if hospitals can manage these extra tests easily. The goal is to see if this new approach could become a standard way of looking after people after brain radiotherapy.

Key takeaways

The study checks hormone levels more often after brain radiotherapy.
It aims to find and treat hormone problems earlier to improve long-term health.
Participation involves blood tests every four months for two years.
It's for people aged 25 or younger who had specific brain radiotherapy.
The study also looks at how practical this frequent testing is.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for young people who have had radiotherapy for a brain tumour. You need to have been aged 25 or younger when your brain radiotherapy finished. The radiotherapy must have been for a brain or spinal cord tumour and delivered to specific parts of your brain (hypothalamus or pituitary gland) at a certain dose.

You would need to be able to join the study within 8 months of finishing your radiotherapy. A doctor will check your medical history to make sure the study is right for you. They will confirm if the type of tumour and your radiotherapy treatment meet the study's requirements.

However, you won't be able to join if you already have certain hormone deficiencies, if it would be difficult for you to attend regular appointments for social or personal reasons, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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.

Were you 25 or under when your brain radiotherapy finished?
Did you have radiotherapy for a brain or spinal cord tumour?
Did your radiotherapy include parts of the brain that control hormones?
Did your radiotherapy finish less than 8 months ago?
Are you able to attend regular appointments for blood tests?
Are you currently not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join the ENDORADS study, you'll have your hormone levels checked more often than usual. This means you will have blood tests every four months for two years after your radiotherapy has finished. These blood samples will be used to measure your hormone levels.

The study team will carefully look at your test results. They will then share these results with your own medical team, who are the doctors and nurses already looking after you. Your medical team will use these results to decide if you need any treatment for hormone problems. You won't be given any new medications specifically as part of the study; it's about monitoring and informing your existing care. The total duration of active participation, involving these regular blood tests, will be two years.

Potential risks and benefits

The main potential benefit of taking part in this study is that if you develop hormone problems after your radiotherapy, they might be found and treated earlier. Catching and treating these issues sooner could help you avoid more significant health problems in the long run. The risks involved are generally small. You will need to have blood tests every four months, which some people might find a bit uncomfortable or time-consuming. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (8)

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Birmingham Children's Hospital
Approximate
Birmingham, England
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Approximate
London, England
Alderhey
City only
Liverpool, England
Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Sheffield, England
Greater Glasgow and Clyde
City only
Glasgow, Scotland
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Bristol, England
The Christie
Approximate
Manchester, England

Common questions

What kind of brain tumour is this study for?

This study is for people who have had radiotherapy for a primary brain or spinal cord tumour that was located in the central nervous system.

Will I have to take any new medicines in this study?

No, this study is about monitoring hormone levels with blood tests, not about giving new medications. Any treatment needed would be decided by your regular medical team.

How long will the study last for me?

If you join, you will be part of the study for two years, attending appointments for blood tests every four months.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by Stand Up To Cancer and Cancer Research UK, both well-known charities.

What if I change my mind about taking part?

You can leave the study at any time without having to give a reason, and it will not affect your normal medical care.

How to find out more

Helen Stone

endorads@trials.bham.ac.uk +44 121 414 8040 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.