Clinical trial Recruiting at 3 sites Observational Ages 18 and up

Rapid autopsy program for small cell lung cancer patients

Official title: Rapid ("Warm") Autopsy Protocol for Patients With Small Cell Lung Cancer

Run by Indiana University · NCT05889546 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to set up a quick way to collect and analyze tumor samples from small cell lung cancer patients after they pass away to help find important markers for the disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorIndiana University
Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Indianapolis, Indiana and 2 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 31, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2030
Study endsDecember 31, 2031
Registry record updatedJuly 14, 2026
Trial IDNCT05889546 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have an active diagnosis of small cell lung cancer.

Probably not a fit

Patients who do not have a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer or are under 18 years old 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 pilot project aims to establish a rapid autopsy program specifically for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) at the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. The study involves collaboration among scientists, lung cancer physicians, and pathologists to outline the necessary components for tumor tissue collection. The collected tumor tissues will be utilized for various analyses, including protein and gene analysis, RNA sequencing, and whole exome sequencing, contributing to the identification of biological and molecular markers of SCLC.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance our understanding of small cell lung cancer and lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

How similar studies have gone: While rapid autopsy programs have been explored in other cancer types, this specific approach for small cell lung cancer is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥ 18 years old at the time of informed consent
2. Written informed consent and HIPAA authorization for release of personal health information.
3. Active SCLC diagnosis.

Where it's running

  • Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
    Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
    Recruiting
  • Roudebush VA Medical Center
    Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
    Recruiting
  • Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital
    Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Shadia I. Jalal, MD — Indiana University
  • Study coordinator: Gabby Kline, BA
  • Email: gabkline@iu.edu
  • Phone: (317) 278-2514

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.