Using incentive spirometry to help lung cancer patients during treatment

Incentive Spirometry for Respiratory Enhancement Pilot Clinical Trial in Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Concurrent Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

Not applicable Interventional The Cooper Health System · NCT06688422

This study is testing whether using an incentive spirometer can help lung cancer patients breathe better and feel healthier during and after their treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Cooper Health System Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Camden, New Jersey)
Trial IDNCT06688422 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates whether using an incentive spirometer can reduce lung complications in patients with advanced lung cancer undergoing concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Participants will use the spirometer to encourage deep breathing multiple times an hour while awake, both during treatment and for up to three months afterward. The study aims to assess the impact of this non-pharmacological intervention on the incidence of pneumonitis and overall quality of life, with evaluations conducted at various intervals. By comparing outcomes, researchers hope to determine the effectiveness of incentive spirometry in improving patient well-being during and after cancer treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer and a good performance status.

Not a fit: Patients with previous lung or thoracic surgery, those using home oxygen prior to enrollment, or those with active respiratory infections may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce lung problems and enhance the quality of life for lung cancer patients undergoing treatment.

How similar studies have performed: While incentive spirometry has shown promise in postoperative settings, its application in oncology is less explored, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Confirmed diagnosis of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer
* Performance status (ECOG 0-1)
* Eligible for concurrent chemotherapy and radiation
* 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous lung or thoracic surgery
* Enrollment in another pulmonary intervention trial
* Home oxygen usage prior to enrolment
* Radiological evidence of pleural effusion, pneumothorax, bullous emphysema, - or pneumonitis on staging imaging
* Presence of active respiratory tract infection
* Uncontrolled nausea and vomiting
* Prior exposure to drugs such as amiodarone, bleomycin, or immunotherapy
* Inability or unwillingness of individual to give written informed consent

Where this trial is running

Camden, New Jersey

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 Lung CancerPneumonitisRadiation-Induced Lung InjuryImmunotherapy-Induced PneumonitisNon-Small-Cell Lung CancerIncentive SpirometryChemotherapyRadiation Therapy
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.