Understanding lung cancer in young adults

Biology of Young Lung Cancer Study: The YOUNG LUNG Study

Observational Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · NCT05265429

This study is trying to learn more about the causes of lung cancer in young adults under 45 to help improve how we screen and treat this rare condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages15 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDana-Farber Cancer Institute Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05265429 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research focuses on individuals diagnosed with lung cancer at age 45 or younger, aiming to gather insights into the causes and risk factors associated with this rare condition. The study will enroll approximately 500 participants and will involve collecting medical records, questionnaires, blood or saliva samples, and optional tumor tissue samples. By examining genetic changes and other factors, the study seeks to improve screening and treatment options for young lung cancer patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 45 or younger who have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients diagnosed with lung cancer over the age of 45 or those who decline to participate will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of lung cancer in younger patients.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on lung cancer exist, this specific focus on young adults is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 45 and under at lung cancer diagnosis
* Pathologically confirmed bronchogenic lung carcinoma (NSCLC or SCLC of any stage) at any treatment time point
* Provision of written informed consent
* Willingness to undergo no more than two (2) peripheral blood draws in a four (4) week period, with no more than 50 ml peripheral blood collected over eight (8) weeks
* Individuals under age 18 are eligible for study if they meet defined criteria; in addition, consent for participation must be given by a legal guardian or parent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who decline to sign consent
* Individuals who are unable to give consent or assent and are without a designated healthcare proxy
* Compromise of patient diagnosis or staging if tissue is used for research

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts and 3 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 Non Small Cell Lung CancerSmall Cell Lung CarcinomaNUT CarcinomaGeneticsGenomicsYoung 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.