How past alcohol or drug use affects detection and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
Qualitative Study on Detection and Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Patients With a History of Alcohol or Substance Use Disorder
This project will talk with adults who have non-small cell lung cancer and a history of alcohol or drug use to see if those histories help or hinder getting detected and treated.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07186699 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational qualitative project will conduct semi-structured interviews (30–60 minutes) with adults diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer who had alcohol or other substance use disorders in the prior 10 years, with optional follow-up focus groups to review preliminary findings. Participants will be recruited at Keck/USC, Los Angeles General Medical Center, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and interviews will be conducted in English or Spanish. The aim is to identify social facilitators and barriers that affect timely detection and receipt of curative-intent treatment. Results will be used to inform outreach, care coordination, and possible interventions to improve access and outcomes for this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with histologically confirmed non-small cell lung cancer who have received or are receiving curative-intent treatment and who had alcohol use or another substance use disorder within the past 10 years, and who speak English or Spanish, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without a history of alcohol or non-tobacco substance use, those unable to maintain a 30–60 minute conversation due to cognitive impairment, and non-English/Spanish speakers are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could guide changes in outreach, screening, and care coordination to improve timely detection and treatment for patients with histories of alcohol or substance use.
How similar studies have performed: Qualitative studies have previously identified social and structural barriers to cancer care, but focused research specifically on patients with alcohol or substance use histories in NSCLC is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \* Adults ≥ 18 years of age * Histopathologic or cytologic diagnosis of NSCLC * Received or receiving curative intent treatment (e.g. surgery, radiation therapy, systemic therapy) * History of alcohol use or substance use disorder (other than tobacco use disorder) within the past 10 years, predating the cancer diagnosis * Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent * English or Spanish speaking. Due to need to conduct semi-structured interviews which can develop into free-flowing conversations we need both participant and interviewer to be fluent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with cognitive disability unable to maintain 30-60 minute conversation
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations
- Los Angeles General Medical Center — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
- USC / Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brooks V Udelsman — University of Southern California
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.