Blood test and AI to find people with COPD at higher risk of lung cancer
Official title: Blood Based Risk Evaluation With AI for Targeted Primary Health Care in Early Lung Cancer Detection
Run by Vejle Hospital · NCT07552584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will see if a blood test combined with an AI model can identify people with COPD who are at higher risk of lung cancer so they can be referred for a low‑dose CT scan.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vejle Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Vejle and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 26, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 2028 |
| Study ends | April 2034 |
| Registry record updated | June 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07552584 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are people aged 50 or older with diagnosed COPD who are current or former smokers, speak Danish, and can give informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Those unlikely to benefit include people without COPD, under 50 or never‑smokers, individuals who had a recent thoracic CT, people with recent or active cancer or with current symptoms suspicious for cancer, and those unable to undergo diagnostic workup or without Eboks.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, non-randomized feasibility project enrolling about 1,000 patients with COPD from general practices in the Vejle area. Participants give a blood sample that is analyzed for DNA methylation markers (including AHRR) and processed by a machine learning model using clinical and routine lab data. Those classified at increased risk are referred for a low‑dose CT scan of the chest. The primary aim is to test feasibility of this workflow in primary care, with secondary aims addressing safety, effects on quality of life and wellbeing, stakeholder perspectives, and preliminary health economic impact.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could detect lung cancer earlier and concentrate CT resources on people most likely to benefit, reducing unnecessary imaging.
How similar studies have gone: Low‑dose CT screening has been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality, and preliminary studies of methylation markers and AI risk models have shown promise but are still early and not yet widely implemented.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with COPD. * =\> 50 years. * Former or current smoker. * Speaks and understands Danish. * Able to give informed consent to participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Had a CT scan of the thorax within 6 months. * Received active treatment for cancer within one year (except non-melanoma skin cancer and carcinoma in situ cervicis uteri). * Diagnosed with cancer within one year (except non-melanoma skin cancer and carcinoma in situ cervicis uteri). * Presents with symptoms giving suspicion of cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer and carcinoma in situ cervicis uteri). * In a condition not allowing diagnostic workup for or treatment of lung cancer. * Does not have Eboks (electronic communication with Danish authorities).
Where it's running
-
Lillebaelt Hospital Vejle, University Hospital of Southern Denmark
Vejle, Denmark Recruiting -
General practices, Vejle area
Vejle, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sara Witting Christensen Wen, MD, PhD — Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital Vejle, University Hospital of Southern Denmark
- Study coordinator: Sara Witting Christensen WC Wen, MD, PhD
- Email: sara.witting.christensen.wen@rsyd.dk
- Phone: +45 79406511
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.