Comparing VATS and Open Surgery for Stage II-III Lung Cancer

Comparison of Curative Effect and Postoperative Survival Rate Between Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery and Open Thoracic Surgery for Stage II - III Lung Cancer, A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial: (The VOLCANO Study)

Phase 3 Interventional Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai, China · NCT04009915

This study is testing whether a less invasive lung surgery called VATS is better than traditional open surgery for people with stage II-III lung cancer in terms of recovery and overall outcomes.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorShanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai, China Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai)
Trial IDNCT04009915 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and traditional open thoracic surgery in patients diagnosed with stage II-III non-small cell lung cancer. The study will evaluate various factors including perioperative complications, postoperative pain, quality of life, lung function recovery, and tumor-free survival rates. By conducting a randomized, prospective analysis, the researchers hope to provide objective data on the benefits of VATS in this patient population, which has been underrepresented in previous studies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with stage II-III non-small cell lung cancer requiring radical surgery.

Not a fit: Patients requiring palliative surgery or those with previous thoracic surgeries or specific tumor types 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 stage II-III lung cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown advantages of VATS in early-stage lung cancer, but this study is novel in its focus on stage II-III patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of stage II-III non-small cell lung cancer by CT and PET-CT and requiring radical surgery for lung cancer;
2. Age ≥ 18 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. palliative surgery;
2. previous thoracic surgery;
3. chest wall resection;
4. Pancoast tumors;
5. reconstruction of carina.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai

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 CancerSurgery
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.