Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 1 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Robotic surgery to remove small lung tumors while preserving healthy tissue

Official title: Near-Infrared Fluorescence Guided Robotic Pulmonary Segmentectomy for Early Stage Lung Cancer: Analysis of Accuracy and Added Value

Run by St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton · NCT02570815 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new robotic surgery technique using special imaging to remove small lung tumors while saving more healthy lung tissue for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment250 (estimated)
SponsorSt. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 2016
Main results expectedOctober 2026
Study endsDecember 2026
Registry record updatedFebruary 2, 2026
Trial IDNCT02570815 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with clinical stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer and tumors smaller than 3 cm.

Probably not a fit

Patients with allergies to indocyanine green or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding 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 clinical trial investigates the use of near-infrared fluorescence guidance in robotic pulmonary segmentectomy for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. The approach aims to remove only the affected segment of the lung, thereby preserving more healthy lung tissue compared to traditional lobectomy. By utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) for enhanced visualization during surgery, the study seeks to improve surgical outcomes for patients with small tumors. The trial is focused on patients with tumors less than 3 cm in size and confined to a single broncho-pulmonary segment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to less invasive surgeries and better preservation of lung function for patients with early-stage lung cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using robotic techniques for lung surgeries, but this specific approach with near-infrared fluorescence is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age \> 18 years
2. Tumor size \<3 cm
3. Clinical Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
4. CT-imaging confirming that the tumour is confined to the one broncho-pulmonary segment, rendering the patient a candidate for segmental resection.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Hypersensitivity or allergy to ICG, sodium iodide or iodine
2. Women who are currently pregnant or are breast feeding; or women of child bearing potential who are not currently taking adequate birth control.

Where it's running

  • St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
    Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Waël C. Hanna, MDCM, MBA, FRCSC — St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton / McMaster University
  • Study coordinator: Lisa L Patterson, BA
  • Email: patterls@stjoes.ca
  • Phone: 905-522-1155

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.