Comparing two surgical approaches for early-stage lung cancer with ground-glass nodules

Mediastinal Lymph Node Dissection Versus Spared Mediastinal Lymph Node Dissection in Stage IA Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Presented as Ground-glass Nodules: Study Protocol of a Phase III, Randomized, Multi-center Trial (MELDSIG) in China

Not applicable Interventional Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital · NCT04631770

This study is testing which of two surgical methods is better for people with early-stage lung cancer that has ground-glass nodules, to see which one helps them live longer and stay cancer-free.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1362 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality)
Trial IDNCT04631770 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of mediastinal lymph node dissection versus spared mediastinal lymph node dissection in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) characterized by ground-glass nodules. It is a prospective, multicenter, randomized trial involving 1,362 patients, with an enrollment period of three years followed by a five-year observation period. The study aims to compare overall survival and disease-free survival rates between the two surgical approaches, focusing on the unique characteristics of ground-glass nodules that may influence treatment outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients diagnosed with clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer who have a single ground-glass nodule and no lymph node metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of other malignancies, active infections, or severe pulmonary conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more tailored surgical approaches for patients with early-stage lung cancer, potentially improving survival rates and reducing unnecessary procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on surgical approaches for lung cancer, this specific comparison of mediastinal lymph node dissection techniques in the context of ground-glass nodules is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Thin-slice HRCT shows single GGN with C/T ≤ 0.5 and no lymph node metastasis;
* Clinical stage IA NSCLC (TNM 8th classification) diagnosed prior or in surgery;
* No history of malignancies within past 5 years or lung surgery;
* No anti-cancer treatment prior to surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Simultaneous or metachronous (within the past 5 years) double cancers;
* Active bacterial or fungous infection;
* Interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, or severe pulmonary emphysema;
* Systemic steroidal medication;
* Uncontrollable diabetes mellitus; (vi) Uncontrollable hypertension or history of severe heart disease, heart failure.

Where this trial is running

Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality

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 NeoplasmsLymph Node ExcisionNon-small cell lung cancerMediastinal lymph node dissectionGround-glass nodules
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.