Carbon ion radiation therapy for early-stage lung cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT05613452 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2025 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing carbon ion beam radiotherapy, a highly targeted form of radiation treatment, for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Unlike traditional radiation, this treatment uses carbon ions to deliver energy directly to tumors in the lungs with greater precision. The study aims to see how well this treatment works and how safe it is for patients who cannot have surgery or choose not to.

Standard radiation therapy for lung cancer can damage healthy tissue around the tumor. This new treatment may allow doctors to target cancer cells more precisely while reducing harm to surrounding lungs, heart, and other organs.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 80 years old
you have been diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (stage Ia-IIa) that is located away from major airways, the esophagus, spine, heart, and blood vessels
you are medically unable to have surgery or have chosen not to have surgery
you have adequate lung, heart, liver, and kidney function based on blood and breathing tests
you have an overall health status that your doctor considers stable enough for this treatment

You likely don't qualify if…

you have multiple separate cancers in your lungs or body
you have another active cancer that is not controlled
you have had previous chest radiation therapy or radioactive implants
you have a cardiac pacemaker or metal implants that could be affected by radiation
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have untreated serious infections or heart conditions

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, you will receive carbon ion radiation therapy as your cancer treatment. The therapy sessions are carefully planned using imaging scans to target your specific tumor. You will attend treatment appointments at the hospital over several weeks, and your doctors will monitor you closely during and after treatment to track how well it works and watch for any side effects. The study team will follow your progress over time to measure how effectively this treatment controls your cancer.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 8, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

China

Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality