New ultrasound technique may sharpen lung cancer staging

NCT ID NCT02719847

Completed Diagnosis Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether adding a special ultrasound procedure (EBUS-TBNA) after a standard PET/CT scan can more accurately stage early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. The 150 participants had stage I or IIa cancer and were being considered for radiation therapy. The goal was to see if the combined approach improves detection of cancer spread to lymph nodes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that adding EBUS-TBNA to PET/CT scans gives doctors a more accurate way to stage early lung cancer, helping tailor treatment.
What could go wrong: This is a completed, relatively small study (150 people) focused on diagnostic accuracy, not treatment. Results may not apply to all lung cancer patients or stages.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

lung cancer lung neoplasm non-small cell lung carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LUNG CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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