Using AI to analyze lung nodules in cancer survivors

Artificial Intelligence & Radiomics for Stratification Of Lung Nodules After Radically Treated Cancer (AI-SONAR)

Observational Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust · NCT05375591

This study is testing if using artificial intelligence to analyze CT scans can help cancer survivors tell the difference between harmless lung nodules and those that might be cancerous.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRoyal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (London and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05375591 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the effectiveness of radiomics and artificial intelligence in assessing new lung nodules in patients who have previously undergone radical treatment for cancer. It aims to differentiate between benign nodules, metastatic disease, and new primary lung cancers using advanced machine learning techniques. The study will involve analyzing CT scans and potentially applying deep learning methods to improve diagnostic accuracy for these patients. By focusing on individuals with a history of cancer, the research addresses a critical clinical challenge in oncology.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with a confirmed history of radically treated solid organ cancer within the last 10 years who have developed new pulmonary nodules.

Not a fit: Patients without a history of previous cancer or those who do not have new pulmonary nodules will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better management of lung nodules in cancer survivors, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using AI and radiomics for cancer diagnosis, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Confirmed history of previous radically or curative-intent treated solid organ cancer within 10 years of new index CT thoracic scan demonstrating a new pulmonary nodule and either of the following:

  * Biopsy confirming previous malignancy with MDT consensus and successful cancer resolution/remission following anti-cancer treatment on interval imaging or blood assay analysis
  * Where biopsy was not possible/confirmed for previous malignancy, MDT consensus outcome confirming cancer (+/- calculated Herder score \>80% if applicable) and decision to treat as malignancy with subsequent resolution/remission following anti-cancer treatment on interval imaging or blood assay analysis
* Radical treatment for previous cancer defined as either of the following:

  * Surgical resection
  * Radical radiotherapy or stereotactic beam radiotherapy
  * Radical chemotherapy
  * Radical chemo-radiotherapy
  * Multi-modality treatment with any of the above
* New pulmonary nodule ground truth known

  * Scan data showing 2-year stability (based on diameter or volumetry) or resolution in cases of benign disease
  * Scan data showing progressive nodule enlargement or increase in nodule number on interval imaging with MDT consensus (+/- PET with Herder score \>80% if applicable) determining metastatic disease or new primary malignancy
  * Biopsy sampling confirming benign disease or malignancy and in cases of malignancy, metastasis or new primary lung cancer
* CT scan slice thickness ≤ 2.5mm
* Nodule size ≥ 5mm

Exclusion Criteria:

* CT Imaging \> 10 years old
* Non-solid haematological malignancies including leukaemia
* Cases of radically treated primary cancer disease with early oligometastatic recurrence treated radically

Where this trial is running

London and 1 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 Indeterminate Pulmonary NodulesLung MetastasesSecond Primary CancerLung 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.