Evaluating circulating tumor cells in lung cancer patients

Detection of Circulating Tumour Cells, Spread Through Air Space and Lymph-nodal Micrometastasis in Patients With Lung Cancer Undergoing Surgical Resection With Curative Intent

IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna · NCT06833632

This study is trying to see if checking for certain cancer cells in the blood can help doctors identify lung cancer patients who are at higher risk of their cancer coming back after surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna (other)
Locations1 site (Bologna, Emilia-Romagna)
Trial IDNCT06833632 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the prognostic significance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and lymph node micrometastases in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing radical surgery. It focuses on understanding the early spread of the disease and identifying high-risk patients for recurrence. By analyzing the presence of CTCs and STAS, the study seeks to provide insights that could influence adjuvant treatment strategies and improve early detection of lung cancer recurrence.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who are eligible for radical surgical resection.

Not a fit: Patients with other active cancers, previous lung cancer surgeries, or those undergoing induction therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better risk stratification and personalized treatment plans for lung cancer patients, potentially reducing recurrence rates.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of evaluating circulating tumor cells is gaining traction, this specific study's focus on STAS in NSCLC is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* obtaining voluntary written informed consent
* diagnosis of NSCLC
* clinical stage I-IIA cN0
* Candidates for surgical resection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Induction therapy for pulmonary neoplasia
* Patients who have received systemic treatment for previous cancers in the last three years prior to lung surgery
* Any previous surgery for lung cancer
* Patients with other active neoplasms
* Infiltration of the chest wall

Where this trial is running

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.