Testing a New Way to Detect Lung Cancer Using Fluid Samples

Plain-English translation of NCT07188480 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

Doctors sometimes need to take samples from the lungs to diagnose and treat advanced lung cancer. This study is testing whether a special type of fluid sample—collected during a routine bronchoscopy procedure—can help identify the genetic makeup of your cancer just as well as traditional tissue biopsies. The fluid contains tiny particles called extracellular vesicles that carry cancer DNA and RNA, which researchers can analyze to guide your treatment.

Standard lung biopsies can be difficult or risky to repeat, especially if your tumor is in a hard-to-reach part of the lung. Doctors need a simpler, safer way to get genetic information about your cancer—especially if your cancer becomes resistant to treatment. This study explores whether fluid samples from the lungs might be that safer alternative.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old
you have suspected advanced lung cancer that needs a bronchoscopy procedure for diagnosis
you have already been diagnosed with lung cancer and need genetic testing repeated
you are willing to give written informed consent to participate

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer instead of non-small cell lung cancer
you have a type of lung cancer that does not require genetic testing
genetic testing is not medically necessary for your specific cancer type

What participation looks like

You will undergo a bronchoscopy, which is a routine procedure where a thin tube with a camera is gently passed down into your lungs so doctors can see and collect samples. During this procedure, doctors will also collect fluid from your lungs and analyze it for cancer genetic information. The study involves only 10 patients and will help doctors understand whether this fluid approach works as well as traditional biopsies.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 12, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Italy

IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Bologna

Key details

Sponsor

IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna

Enrollment target

~10 participants

Started

January 2025

Primary completion

September 2025

This trial's estimated completion date has passed — the record may not be fully up to date.

Age range

18 Years and older

Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in September 2025.

Contact the research team directly

Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.

Central contact

Gian Piero Bandelli, MD

IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna

Interested in joining?

Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov