Testing blood samples for lung cancer treatment response
Official title: Study of Longitudinal Plasma PD-L1 Testing With Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer
Run by Ballad Health · NCT06849518 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if blood tests can show how well immune therapy works for people with advanced lung cancer who can't have surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ballad Health Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation, immunotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Kingsport, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 11, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 28, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06849518 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with stage IV or inoperable stage IIIB non-small cell lung cancer receiving anti-PD-1/L1 based immunotherapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not receiving anti-PD-1/L1 monoclonal antibody treatment or those with small-cell lung cancer will 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 study aims to evaluate changes in plasma cell-free RNA PD-L1 expression in patients with lung cancer who are receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. It will involve liquid biopsy testing to assess how these changes correlate with the effectiveness of the treatment as measured by radiographic imaging. The study focuses on patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who are not candidates for surgery and are undergoing specific immunotherapy regimens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring of treatment responses in lung cancer patients, allowing for more personalized therapy adjustments.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using liquid biopsies for monitoring treatment responses in various cancers.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. All patients with a diagnosis of stage IV or inoperable stage IIIB NSCLC without planned primary radiation therapy undergoing anti-PD-1/L1 based ICI treatment. 2. Chemo-immune or dual anti-PD-1/L1 with anti-CTLA-4 based regimens are eligible as long as receiving an anti-PD-1/L1 monoclonal antibody. 3. A documented informed consent will be obtained prior to inclusion in the study. All discussions with patients will be held in strictest confidence and out of earshot of the general public. Patients will be fully informed that their participation in the study is voluntary. Patients may decline to be part of the study. Their decision to participate in the study will not affect the care they receive. Exclusion Criteria: 1. No anti-PD-1/L1 monoclonal antibody treatment. 2. Planned primary radiation therapy. 3. Small-cell lung cancer histology.
Where it's running
-
Ballad Health Cancer Care
Kingsport, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Charles Mays, PhD, CCRP, CCRC
- Email: Charles.Mays@balladhealth.org
- Phone: 423-431-5654
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.