Collecting and analyzing sputum samples for lung cancer detection

Collection of Sputum and Sputum Labeling Utilizing Synthetic Meso-Tetra (4-Carboxyphenyl) Porphyrin (TCPP) for Detection of Lung Cancer

Observational bioAffinity Technologies Inc. · NCT03457415

This study is testing if analyzing sputum samples can help detect lung cancer better than current methods in healthy people, those at high risk, and patients already diagnosed with lung cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorbioAffinity Technologies Inc. Industry-sponsored
Locations3 sites (Summit, New Jersey and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03457415 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to compare assay results from sputum samples to current lung cancer detection standards. It involves three cohorts: healthy participants, high-risk individuals, and diagnosed lung cancer patients. Participants in the high-risk group will undergo low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans to confirm their lung health before providing sputum samples. The samples will be processed to identify cell populations and detect cancerous cells using a specialized fluorescent compound.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 21 and older who fit into one of the three cohorts: healthy, high-risk smokers, or diagnosed lung cancer patients.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the specified age range or do not meet the cohort criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance early detection of lung cancer, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using sputum analysis for lung cancer detection, suggesting this approach may be viable.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Each subject must meet the following criteria to be enrolled in this study:

* Male or female
* 21 years of age or older
* Willing to provide primary care physician contact information to the investigator and agree to have medical information released if indicated
* Meet requirements of one of three cohorts in the study:

Healthy Cohort: Current non-smoker who has smoked less than 5 pack-years in his or her lifetime, and if smoked, quit more than 15 years ago, and has no known lung disease.

High Risk Cohort: Individual aged ≥55-74 who is a current smoker with a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years, or current non-smoker who has a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years, and quit smoking within the past 15 years.

Cancer Cohort: Individual who has been diagnosed by a physician as highly suspect for having lung cancer but has not yet undergone a biopsy nor received therapy, and after providing a sputum sample is confirmed to have lung cancer by biopsy.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants who meet any of the following criteria will be excluded from the study:

* Severe obstructive lung disease and unable to cough with sufficient exertion to produce a sputum sample. Participants with lung disease that are able to cough with sufficient exertion to produce a sputum sample are not excluded from the study
* Angina with minimal exertion
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Summit, New Jersey and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Lung CancerLDCTSputumHigh-risk SmokerPorphyrinEarly detection
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.