Plasma genomic testing for advanced non-small cell lung cancer

PLAsma Genomic Testing in Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: The PLAN Study

Observational Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland · NCT05542485

This study is testing if a blood test for genetic changes can help doctors find better treatments for people newly diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment97 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRoyal College of Surgeons, Ireland Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy, osimertinib, gefitinib, erlotinib, crizotinib, alectinib, ceritinib
Locations3 sites (Dublin and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05542485 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the use of plasma genotyping for initial genomic testing in patients newly diagnosed with advanced or locally advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients will undergo a plasma genotyping assay alongside standard tissue-based biopsy and genotyping at Rapid Access Lung Cancer Clinics. The study aims to identify actionable genomic alterations that can guide targeted therapies, improving treatment outcomes for this diverse cancer type.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a radiological suspicion of advanced or locally advanced non-squamous NSCLC who have not received prior systemic therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with squamous cell subtype NSCLC or those who have previously received systemic anti-cancer treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the precision of treatment options for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer by identifying actionable mutations earlier.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar genomic testing approaches, indicating a promising avenue for improving treatment strategies in lung cancer.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Radiological suspicion of advanced or locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer
2. Age ≥18 years
3. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2
4. Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

   Second arm additional criteria
5. Planned for systemic treatment with either single agent immunotherapy (IT) or combination chemotherapy/IT
6. No prior systemic therapy for advanced NSCLC

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Squamous cell subtype NSCLC histology
2. Small cell carcinoma histology
3. Patients who have received systemic anti-cancer treatment

Where this trial is running

Dublin 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 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.