Robotic surgery to remove small lung tumors while preserving healthy tissue

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

Phase 1 Interventional St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton · NCT02570815

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
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSt. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT02570815 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to indocyanine green or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario

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 Cancerlung cancersegmentectomyrobotic surgerynear-infrared fluorescentIC-GREENindocyanine greenearly-stage lung cancer
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.