The STRIKE study is a clinical trial for people whose cancer has spread to the brain, a condition known as brain metastases. This often occurs in cancers such as melanoma or non‑small cell lung cancer. The study aims to find out the best time to give a very precise form of radiotherapy called stereotactic radiosurgery. Clinicians want to understand whether giving this focused radiotherapy early—alongside the usual drug treatments such as immunotherapy or targeted therapies—can control cancer in the brain more effectively, help people live longer, and maintain a better quality of life.

In this study, patients are randomly assigned to one of two groups. 

• One group receives the standard treatment for their type of cancer, which may include immunotherapy or targeted drugs. 
• The other group receives the same standard treatment plus stereotactic radiosurgery, a type of radiotherapy that delivers a high dose of radiation directly to the cancer spots in the brain while limiting exposure to healthy brain tissue. Because it is so precise, it aims to treat the brain tumours effectively while reducing the risk of long‑term side effects such as problems with memory and thinking.

People can join the study if they have melanoma or non‑small cell lung cancer that has spread to the brain and they have few or no symptoms from it. Once enrolled, patients attend regular hospital visits for scans, treatment, and monitoring, and they may be asked to complete questionnaires about their symptoms and wellbeing. The study is taking place across several hospitals, with the aim of involving around 190 patients.

Overall, the STRIKE study is trying to determine whether treating brain metastases earlier and more precisely can offer better control of the disease, fewer complications, and a better quality of life. If successful, the results will help guide doctors on the best timing for radiotherapy in patients whose cancer has spread to the brain.