Clinical trial Recruiting at 5 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Evaluating the effectiveness of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy for lung nodule biopsy and staging

Official title: The SEQUENCE Trial: Should Endobronchial Ultrasound QUeue bEfore or eNsuing to robotiC-assisted Bronchoscopy for pEripheral Pulmonary Nodule Biopsy?

Run by Northwestern University · NCT06676956 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if using robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with ultrasound helps doctors better and faster diagnose lung nodules to improve treatment outcomes.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment320 (estimated)
SponsorNorthwestern University
Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Sacramento, California and 4 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 10, 2024
Main results expectedAugust 2027
Study endsDecember 2027
Registry record updatedAugust 25, 2026
Trial IDNCT06676956 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are patients with peripheral pulmonary nodules who are scheduled for robotic-assisted bronchoscopy.

Probably not a fit

Patients with enlarged or PET avid lymph nodes prior to the procedure 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 trial investigates the diagnostic yield of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RaB) when combined with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for staging pulmonary nodules. The study aims to determine whether performing EBUS first or second during the same procedure affects the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing lung nodules. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques like cone-beam CT (CBCT), the trial seeks to enhance the precision of needle placement during biopsies. The goal is to streamline the process from nodule discovery to treatment while maintaining high diagnostic yields.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate diagnoses and quicker treatment for patients with pulmonary nodules.

How similar studies have gone: While there are no randomized trials directly comparing RaB and CBCT with other methods, retrospective studies have shown promising diagnostic yields.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Peripheral Pulmonary Nodule undergoing a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy

Exclusion Criteria:

* lymph nodes that are enlarged or PET avid on CT prior to procedure

Where it's running

  • University of California, Davis
    Sacramento, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Northwestern University
    Chicago, Illinois, United States
    Recruiting
  • Johns Hopkins University
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Michigan
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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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.