DNA and RNA testing from bronchial lavage to guide genetic analysis in advanced NSCLC

The Role of DNA and RNA From Extracellular Vescicles Obtained by Bronchial Lavage in NGS Analyses for Advaced Stage NSCLC Patients

Not applicable Interventional IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna · NCT07188480

The team will test whether analyzing DNA and RNA from bronchial lavage (wash) samples gives useful next-generation sequencing (NGS) results for people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who need genetic testing.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bologna, Bologna)
Trial IDNCT07188480 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Patients with advanced NSCLC often need repeat tissue sampling to identify targetable mutations and mechanisms of drug resistance, but biopsies can be difficult or risky for small or peripheral lung lesions. This single-center interventional protocol collects bronchial lavage during bronchoscopy and isolates extracellular vesicles and other nucleic acids for DNA and RNA NGS analysis. Sequencing results from lavage-derived material will be compared with prior cytological or histological NGS when available to measure concordance and practical utility. The study aims to clarify whether bronchial lavage EV-derived NGS can act as a reliable alternative or complement to tissue and plasma liquid biopsies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) with suspected or known stage IV non-small cell lung cancer who have an indication for bronchoscopy and need NGS testing, and who can give informed consent, are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with confirmed small cell lung cancer or other non-NSCLC pathologies, or those who cannot undergo bronchoscopy, are unlikely to benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce the need for invasive repeat tissue biopsies and improve detection of actionable mutations to guide targeted therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Plasma cell-free DNA liquid biopsy has shown utility in detecting some tumor mutations, but using extracellular vesicle-derived DNA/RNA from bronchial lavage is a newer approach with limited prior validation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years;
* Indication for bronchoscopic cytological sampling for further diagnosis of suspected stage IV lung cancer on CT (computed tomography)/PET (positron emission tomography) scans, with consequent need for NGS analysis.
* Indication for bronchoscopy in patients with known lung cancer who have already undergone NGS analysis on a cytological-histological sample in the previous five years.
* Acquisition of written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Confirmation of small cell lung cancer or other non-NSCLC pathology where there is no indication for NGS testing.

Where this trial is running

Bologna, Bologna

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 Cancer NSCLC
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.