Blood test could cut lung cancer diagnosis time

NCT ID NCT04863924

Ongoing Diagnosis Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a liquid biopsy (a blood test that looks for cancer DNA) can help doctors decide on treatment for advanced lung cancer faster than the usual method of testing tumor tissue. About 170 newly diagnosed patients will receive both the blood test and standard tissue testing. Researchers will compare how quickly each method leads to a treatment decision, aiming to reduce delays and get patients started on the right therapy sooner.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Liquid biopsy (ctDNA molecular profiling)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could help lung cancer patients start treatment sooner by providing faster genetic test results.
What could go wrong: This is a single-center study with 170 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Liquid biopsy may not always detect all genetic changes, and faster diagnosis does not guarantee better outcomes.

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.

non-small cell lung carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Toronto, Canada

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