Improving Lung Nodule Diagnosis with Computer Tools

Assessment of a Radiomics-Based Computer-Aided Diagnosis Tool for Cancer Risk Stratification of Pulmonary Nodules

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11128370

This project aims to help doctors better identify which lung nodules are cancerous using a new computer tool, reducing the need for risky biopsies.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11128370 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Doctors often find small spots, called pulmonary nodules, on lung CT scans, and it's hard to tell if they are cancerous without a biopsy. Biopsies are invasive and carry risks, so this project is developing a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tool to help make this decision. This tool analyzes detailed features from CT scans that are not visible to the human eye. The goal is to improve how accurately doctors can predict cancer risk, helping patients avoid unnecessary procedures while ensuring early detection of cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients who have pulmonary nodules detected on a CT scan and need help determining their cancer risk might be ideal candidates for future applications of this technology.

Not a fit: Patients without pulmonary nodules or those whose nodules have already been definitively diagnosed may not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic tool.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this tool could lead to more accurate and earlier detection of lung cancer, while also reducing the number of patients who undergo unnecessary and risky biopsies.

How similar studies have performed: The candidate's team has previously shown that this type of technology can improve diagnostic accuracy for pulmonary nodules.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.