New scope test could sharpen lung cancer staging, spare patients unnecessary radiation

NCT ID NCT01786590

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing whether a minimally invasive procedure called EBUS-TBNA is more accurate than standard CT/PET scans for checking if lung cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the chest. The goal is to better select patients for a precise type of radiation therapy (SBRT). About 150 adults with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who cannot have surgery will undergo EBUS-TBNA before their radiation treatment. The results could help doctors make more informed treatment decisions.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
EBUS-TBNA (a minimally invasive procedure using a thin, flexible tube with an ultrasound probe to sample lymph nodes)
What this could lead to
If EBUS-TBNA proves more accurate than CT/PET scans, it could help doctors better decide who is eligible for SBRT, potentially improving outcomes for patients who cannot have surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a diagnostic accuracy study, not a treatment trial. Even if EBUS-TBNA is more accurate, it may not directly improve survival or quality of life. The procedure itself carries small risks like bleeding or infection.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for LUNG CANCER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Toronto General Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.