Tracking how lung cancer cells spread after surgery
Official title: Insights on Dissemination of Lung Cancer
Run by IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna · NCT07476495 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will see if blood tests for circulating tumor cells and tumor DNA, together with tumor tissue analysis, can predict recurrence in people having surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bologna, Bologna) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | February 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | March 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07476495 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) with resectable clinical stage IA–IIIA non-small cell lung cancer of adenocarcinoma or squamous histology who are planned for surgical treatment, with or without additional therapies, are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other histologies, those with metastatic disease, those not undergoing surgery, or anyone treated with systemic cancer therapy within the previous three years are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study follows adults with resectable clinical stage IA–IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (adenocarcinoma or squamous) who undergo surgery alone or as part of multimodal treatment. Researchers will count circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using the CellSearch platform and analyze circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with Illumina-based next-generation sequencing from blood taken before surgery, after surgery, and during follow-up. They will compare molecular profiles using spatial transcriptomics between primary tumor cells, tumor cells in spread through air spaces (STAS), lymph node micrometastases, and circulating tumor cells, and will examine whether intraoperative factors (resection sequence, surgical approach, extent of resection) affect release of tumor material into the blood. The goal is to link these measures to recurrence patterns and long-term outcomes to improve risk stratification.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help identify patients at higher risk of recurrence so follow-up and treatment can be better personalized.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown CTCs and ctDNA can indicate recurrence risk after lung cancer surgery, but combining these blood markers with spatial transcriptomics and detailed intraoperative analysis is a relatively novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years; * Preoperative diagnosis of resectable stage cIA-cIIIA NSCLC (adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma); * Patients deemed fit for surgical or multimodal treatment; * Informed consent obtained; * Treatment, including multimodal treatment, involving surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * Histology other than adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma; * Other neoplastic diseases concurrent with or undergoing treatment or treated with systemic therapies in the previous three years; * Age \<18 years; * No need for surgery.
Where it's running
-
IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Università di Bologna
Bologna, Bologna, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Pietro Bertoglio
- Email: pietro.bertoglio@aosp.bo.it
- Phone: +39 0516478362
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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.