Using liquid biopsy and electronic nudges to improve testing in newly diagnosed lung cancer

iNUDGE: INtegration of liqUiD Biopsy Based Next Generation Gene sEquencing in Newly Diagnosed NSCLC - A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine · NCT05853887

This study is testing whether reminders in doctors' electronic records can help ensure that patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer get important tests done early to guide their treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment360 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorAbramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Cherry Hill, New Jersey and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05853887 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance the use of molecular testing for patients with newly diagnosed metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by implementing a behavioral economics-informed electronic health record (EHR) 'nudge' to prompt physicians to order comprehensive testing at the time of diagnosis. The intervention will be expanded to six satellite hospitals within the University of Pennsylvania Health System, focusing on increasing the adoption of plasma and tissue-based next generation sequencing (NGS) testing. The goal is to ensure that test results are available before treatment begins, allowing for more informed treatment decisions based on molecular profiles. Additionally, the study will evaluate the factors influencing the success of this EHR-nudge implementation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a histological or cytological diagnosis of metastatic non-squamous NSCLC who have not yet received systemic treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with incomplete staging information or those who are children, pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, or prisoners will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for patients with newly diagnosed metastatic lung cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that EHR-based nudges can effectively promote guideline-concordant diagnostic testing, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants with a histological, or cytological diagnosis of metastatic non-squamous (mNSq) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have not yet received systemic treatment for metastatic disease.
* Participants must be seen at Lancaster General Health (LGH), Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC), Penn Medicine Cherry Hill (PMCH), Penn Medicine Princeton Health (PMPH), Penn Medicine Voorhees (PMV) or Penn Medicine Washington Township (PMWT) for mNSq NSCLC.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants with incomplete staging information.
* Children, pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, or prisoners are not included in this research study.

Where this trial is running

Cherry Hill, New Jersey and 5 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 Cancer MetastaticNewly Diagnosed NSCLCNon-Squamous Non-Small Cell Neoplasm of LungNext Generation SequencingLiquid biopsyNewly diagnosedMolecular testingPlasma based next generation sequencing
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.