Robotic surgery for lung cancer in elderly patients

Robotic Assisted Major Lung Resection in Elderly Patients: Results From a Retrospective Study

Observational Scientific Institute San Raffaele · NCT06496386

This study looks at how robotic surgery for lung cancer affects very elderly patients compared to younger elderly patients to see if it helps them recover better.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment386 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorScientific Institute San Raffaele Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Rozzano, Milan and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06496386 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study analyzes medical records of patients who underwent major lung resection for lung cancer using the DaVinci robotic surgical system from May 2015 to December 2022. It focuses on comparing outcomes between very elderly patients (over 80 years) and younger elderly patients (under 80 years) to assess the benefits of minimally invasive robotic techniques. The study aims to evaluate the potential reduction in surgical trauma associated with robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in this demographic. As a retrospective analysis, there are no direct risks to participants, as it involves data collection from existing medical records.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients over 18 years old with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer who are eligible for surgery.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those who cannot undergo surgery due to uncontrolled health conditions will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could demonstrate that robotic-assisted surgery is a safer and more effective option for elderly patients with lung cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with robotic-assisted surgeries in various populations, suggesting potential benefits for elderly patients as well.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>18 years at the moment of surgery
* Suspected or confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer
* The patient can be candidate in terms of cardiac, kidney, liver and respiratory function the primary pathology is under control or controllable
* Absence of extrapulmonary metastases that are not controlled or controllable
* All procedures included use of DaVinci robot system

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years at the moment of surgery
* Patients who cannot undergo surgery, as they do not meet the conditions outlined above

Where this trial is running

Rozzano, Milan and 1 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 Lung Cancerrobot-assisted thoracoscopic surgerylung resection
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.