Lung cancer treatment has changed more in the past ten years than in the previous fifty. Genetic testing of tumors now routinely identifies mutations like EGFR, ALK, KRAS, and ROS1 that respond to specific pills, and immunotherapy has dramatically extended survival for many patients with advanced disease.
What's actually going on in research
Studies are testing newer targeted pills for resistant tumors, immunotherapy combinations given before and after surgery, and treatments for less common mutations. Researchers are also evaluating low-dose CT screening strategies for high-risk people, blood tests that can detect cancer earlier, and supportive care that helps people tolerate longer courses of treatment.
Targeted therapy
Pills designed for specific mutations like EGFR, ALK, KRAS G12C, and others can shrink tumors with far fewer side effects than chemotherapy. New versions are being tested for tumors that stop responding.
Immunotherapy
Drugs that unlock the immune system to attack lung cancer are now used at every stage, including before and after surgery. Trials are exploring which combinations work best and for how long.
Earlier detection
Studies are testing blood tests and improved CT screening to catch lung cancer when it is still small and curable. This matters because most lung cancers are still found late.
What to know before you search
Eligibility often depends on cancer type (small cell or non-small cell), stage, specific mutations found on tumor testing, and whether you have had prior treatment.
What types of trials are currently open
- Treatment trials — Testing new drugs or combinations in people with lung cancer to see if they extend life or shrink tumors more than current options.
- Adjuvant trials — Testing treatments given after surgery to lower the chance the cancer returns.
- Neoadjuvant trials — Testing immunotherapy or chemotherapy before surgery to shrink tumors and improve outcomes.
- Prevention trials — Testing screening tools and lifestyle approaches in people at high risk, including former smokers.
- Supportive care trials — Testing approaches to manage breathlessness, fatigue, and the side effects of long-term treatment.
Recently added Lung Cancer trials
A Phase II Trial Evaluating Upfront Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Stage III Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
The aim of the study is to test the feasibility \& loco-regional control rate by combining high precision SBRT with chemotherapy in stage III NSCLC in tumor/lymph nodes if tumors/lymph node size with ≤ 6cms in size.
A 2-part Phase 1/2 Open-label Trial on ODM-212
An open-label, multi-site, multi-cohort phase 1/2 trial to be conducted in 2 parts (dose escalation and dose expansion/optimisation)
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