Identifying biomarkers for lung cancer risk assessment

Circulating Tumor DNA for Risk Stratification in Lung Cancer Screening

Observational University of California, San Francisco · NCT03774758

This study is testing if a blood test that looks for tumor DNA can help identify lung cancer risk in people who are being screened for the disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment590 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco Academic / other
Locations3 sites (San Francisco, California and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03774758 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the performance of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assays in patients undergoing lung cancer screening at various San Francisco medical centers. It will follow two primary populations: one assessing the sensitivity and specificity of ctDNA in patients with known cancer status, and another evaluating its clinical performance in high-risk patients suspected of having lung cancer. Participants will provide blood samples and undergo a three-year clinical follow-up to gather data on the effectiveness of the ctDNA assay compared to standard diagnostic methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 and older who are undergoing lung cancer screening and are willing to provide blood samples for analysis.

Not a fit: Patients with active non-cutaneous malignancies or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance early detection and risk stratification of lung cancer, leading to improved patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using ctDNA for cancer detection, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 40 years
* Ability to understand and provide written informed consent
* Willingness to comply with study protocols and provide blood samples.
* Willingness to complete 3-year clinical follow up

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active non-cutaneous malignancy within the past 5 years as per medical record or patient report.
* Exclusion criteria for possible follow-up visit blood draw:
* Anemia - measured by hematocrit level of less than 30%, measured after the first blood draw.
* Malnourishment - determined by BMI less than 19. If subject has BMI greater or equal to 19, but has a history of malnourishment, study staff will measure albumin level of subject's blood after initial blood draw. Albumin level must be greater than 2.5 mg per deciliter, or subject will be excluded.
* Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - defined by Gold Stage IV.
* Unstable heart conditions - defined by stable or unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction (within the last 2 years), active congestive heart failure, ischemic cardiomyopathy, or history of complications because of previous blood donation.
* Liver cirrhosis.

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California and 2 other locations

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 Nodule Solitary PulmonaryNon-small Cell Lung CancerLung cancer screeningBiomarkers of lung cancerCirculating tumor DNALow dose computed tomography of lungPulmonary nodule
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.