Comparing robotic and video-assisted surgery for early stage lung cancer

Robotic Lobectomy vs. Thoracoscopic Lobectomy for Early Stage Lung Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton · NCT02617186

This study is testing whether robotic surgery or video-assisted surgery is better for people with early stage lung cancer who need a lung operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment592 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSt. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT02617186 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial compares two minimally invasive surgical techniques for treating early stage non-small cell lung cancer: robotic thoracic surgery (RTS) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Both methods aim to improve surgical outcomes compared to traditional open surgery, but this study seeks to provide high-quality prospective data by directly comparing the two approaches. The trial will involve patients who are candidates for lobectomy, with surgeons assessing their eligibility based on clinical stage and surgical suitability. The goal is to determine which technique offers better results for patients undergoing lung resection.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with clinical stage I, II, or IIIa non-small cell lung cancer who are suitable for minimally invasive lobectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with clinical stage IIIb or IV non-small cell lung cancer or those not eligible for minimally invasive surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and recovery for patients with early stage lung cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While robotic thoracic surgery has shown promise, this is one of the first studies to directly compare it with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in a prospective manner.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age \>/= 18 years
2. Clinical stage I, II or IIIa non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
3. Candidates for minimally invasive pulmonary lobectomy, as determined by the operating surgeon.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Clinical stage IIIb or IV NSCLC
2. Not a candidate for minimally invasive surgery.

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario

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 Non-small Cell Lung CancerThoracic Surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.