Investigating the link between lung cancer, cachexia, and stress using PET imaging

The Role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the Early Prediction of Cachexia in Lung Cancer Patients

Not applicable Interventional Medical University of Vienna · NCT05912465

This study is trying to see how lung cancer, weight loss, and stress are connected by looking at metabolic changes in 150 lung cancer patients using special imaging and tests.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Vienna Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Vienna and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05912465 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective observational study aims to explore the relationship between cancer cachexia, psychological stress, and metabolic changes in 150 lung cancer patients. Participants will undergo comprehensive assessments, including medical history, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and PET-CT imaging to evaluate metabolic activity. The study will diagnose cancer cachexia based on weight loss, reduced food intake, and inflammation markers, while psychological stress will be assessed through questionnaires and biomarkers. The primary goal is to identify differences in metabolic activity between cachectic and non-cachectic patients, with secondary objectives focusing on brain activity and the interplay between stress, inflammation, and metabolism.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients aged 18 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of other malignancies, severe comorbidities, or contraindications to PET imaging may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of cancer cachexia in lung cancer patients, potentially enhancing their quality of life and treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using PET imaging to assess metabolic changes in cancer cachexia is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cachexia in other cancer types.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients aged 18 years or older.
* Confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer.
* Willingness to participate in the study and provide informed consent.
* Ability to comply with study procedures and follow-up visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous history of any other malignancy within the last 5 years, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer.
* Concurrent participation in another clinical trial involving an investigational product.
* Known contraindications or intolerance to PET/CT imaging or fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).
* Presence of severe comorbidities that may interfere with study participation or affect the interpretation of results.
* Pregnant or lactating women, or those planning to become pregnant during the study period.
* Any other condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make the patient unsuitable for participation in the study.

Where this trial is running

Vienna 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 CachexiaLung NeoplasmCancer cachexiaPositron emission tomographyMetabolic changesLung cancerMuscle wastingComputed 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.