Blood test vs. needle biopsy: can a simple draw detect lung cancer mutations?

NCT ID NCT03265496

Terminated Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Centre Oscar Lambret Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether a blood test (liquid biopsy) could find EGFR gene mutations in lung cancer patients as accurately as a standard tumor biopsy. Researchers planned to enroll 21 patients with advanced lung cancer who had not yet received treatment. The study was terminated early, so the findings are limited.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that a simple blood test (liquid biopsy) can reliably detect EGFR mutations, reducing the need for invasive tumor biopsies.
What could go wrong: The study was terminated early with only 21 participants, so results are limited. The approach may not be accurate enough to replace standard tissue biopsy.

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.

metastatic malignant neoplasm non-small cell lung carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

NSCLC

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHRU Lille

Lille, 59037, France
Centre Oscar Lambret

Lille, 59020, France

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