Evaluating PET-CT for predicting lymph node metastasis in lung cancer

The Value of PET-CT in Predicting Segement Specific Lymph Nodes Metastasis in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

Observational Fudan University · NCT05970913

This study is testing if PET-CT scans can help doctors predict whether lung cancer has spread to lymph nodes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer before surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment280 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorFudan University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Shanghai)
Trial IDNCT05970913 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter observational study aims to assess the predictive value of preoperative PET-CT imaging results for lymph node metastasis in patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study will analyze factors such as SUV uptake, lymph node size, and FDG uptake differences compared to surrounding tissues. All participants will undergo systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection during surgery, and the final pathological results will be used to evaluate the accuracy of PET-CT predictions. The goal is to improve preoperative assessments and surgical planning for patients with NSCLC.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with solitary non-small cell lung tumors or multiple tumors with ground-glass nodules, with a primary lesion diameter of 5cm or less.

Not a fit: Patients with locally advanced or distant metastasis, or those who have received prior treatment for lung cancer, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the accuracy of preoperative evaluations, leading to better surgical outcomes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in using PET-CT for predicting lymph node metastasis in lung cancer, indicating that this approach has potential based on prior research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Solitary tumor, or multiple tumors with only ground-glass nodules (GGNs) apart from the primary lesion.
* Diameter of the primary lesion ≤5cm, with a CTR between 0.5 and 1.
* No enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes observed on preoperative contrast-enhanced CT.
* Pathological confirmation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) either before or during surgery.
* Systematic lymph node dissection performed during surgery.
* No prior radiotherapy or chemotherapy for initial treatment.
* No history of malignant tumors.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Locally advanced or distant metastasis.
* Pleural dissemination observed during surgery.
* History of malignant tumors.
* Received neoadjuvant therapy.
* Systematic lymph node dissection not performed during surgery.
* Histopathological examination reveals lung malignancies other than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

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 Non Small Cell Lung CancerLymph Node MetastasisPositron Emission Tomography
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.