Whole-Brain Radiation Therapy With or Without Hippocampal Avoidance in Treating Patients With Limited Stage or Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
This randomized phase II/III trial studies how well whole-brain radiation therapy works and
compares it with or without hippocampal avoidance in treating patients with small cell lung
cancer that is found in one lung, the tissues between the lungs, and nearby lymph nodes only
(limited stage) or has spread outside of the lung in which it began or to other parts of the
body (extensive stage). Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill tumor cells and
shrink tumors. The hippocampus is part of the brain that is important for memory. Avoiding
the hippocampus during whole-brain radiation could decrease the chance of side effects on
memory and thinking. It is not yet known whether giving whole-brain radiation therapy is more
effective with or without hippocampal avoidance in treating patients with small cell lung
cancer.
Intervention
3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy, Cognitive Assessment, Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy, Laboratory Biomarker Analysis, Quality-of-Life Assessment
Condition
Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Carcinoma, Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Investigators
Vinai Gondi