Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 75

Comparing video-assisted surgery to traditional surgery for early-stage lung cancer

Official title: Lobectomy for Clincial Stage T1N0M0 Solid NSCLC by VATS Versus Thoracotomy

Run by Fudan University · NCT03786003 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a less invasive video-assisted surgery is just as effective as traditional surgery for people with early-stage lung cancer.

More Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment1086 (estimated)
SponsorFudan University
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Shanghai)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 9, 2022
Main results expectedFebruary 9, 2025
Study endsFebruary 9, 2028
Registry record updatedJuly 21, 2023
Trial IDNCT03786003 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 75 with solid, resectable clinical stage T1N0M0 NSCLC.

Probably not a fit

Patients with non-NSCLC tumors, those requiring different surgical approaches, or those with a history of other malignancies within the last five years may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with traditional thoracotomy for patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It focuses on patients with solid clinical stage T1N0M0 NSCLC and evaluates whether VATS is non-inferior to thoracotomy in terms of disease-free survival. The study will also assess overall survival, perioperative complications, pain levels, and quality of life. Patients will undergo routine CT scans and additional tests to confirm their clinical stage before being randomized into one of the two surgical approaches.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive surgical option for patients with early-stage lung cancer, potentially leading to improved recovery and quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: While many retrospective studies have suggested the effectiveness of VATS, this is one of the first prospective randomized trials specifically addressing its non-inferiority to thoracotomy.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical stage T1N0M0 and surgical resectable.
* Solid appearance on computed tomography scan.
* Age 18 to 75 year.
* Signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not NSCLC in pathological analysis.
* Not lobectomy or sublobar resection.
* History of other malignant tumors within 5 years.
* History of thoracic surgery or unsuitable for VATS.
* Previous radiation or chemotherapy.

Where it's running

  • Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
    Shanghai, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.