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

Comparing Outcomes for Minimally Invasive Techniques for Anatomic Lung Resection for Cancer - A Prospective, Comparative, Non-randomized, Open Label Post-market Observational Cohort Study Within Europe

Observational Intuitive Surgical · NCT06038227

This study is testing whether robotic surgery or video-assisted surgery is better for people with early-stage lung cancer to see how they recover and feel afterwards.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment512 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIntuitive Surgical Industry-sponsored
Locations12 sites (Copenhagen and 11 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06038227 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the outcomes of minimally invasive surgical techniques, specifically robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), for treating early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It focuses on patients diagnosed with clinical stage IA1-2 lung cancer who are scheduled for these surgical procedures. The study will evaluate perioperative outcomes and the real-world selection process for these techniques, while also assessing health-related quality of life to provide insights into recovery times and disease burden.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with clinical stage IA1-2 non-small cell lung cancer scheduled for minimally invasive surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with more advanced stages of lung cancer or those requiring emergency surgical procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance surgical options and outcomes for patients with early-stage lung cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for robotic-assisted surgeries in lung cancer, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient diagnosed with clinical stage IA1-2 non-small cell lung cancer at time of procedure
* Patient scheduled to undergo minimally invasive surgery for NSCLC with either da Vinci robotic assisted surgery or VATs
* Aged ≥ 18 years
* Must be willing and able to comply with study requirements
* Must indicate their understanding of the study and willingness to participate by signing an appropriate informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with clinical stage IA3, II, III, and IV lung cancer
* Patient receiving a lobectomy/segmentectomy as an emergency procedure
* Patients receiving a lobectomy/segmentectomy for metastatic cancer
* Patients scheduled to receive a bilobectomy or sleeve-lobectomy
* Mental incapacity to understand or consent to study procedures
* Anticipated difficulty for patient to comply with protocol requirements
* Unable to comply with the follow up schedule
* Pregnant or are planning to become pregnant during the study
* Life expectancy \< 12 months

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen and 11 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 CancerMinimally invasive surgeryRobotics
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.