Targeted pill may shrink lung tumors before surgery in new trial

NCT ID NCT05740943

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether taking the targeted drug lorlatinib for three months before surgery can shrink tumors in people with stage III ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. The study involves 48 participants and aims to see if the drug can eliminate all signs of cancer in the removed tissue. It also explores how genetic testing in the blood can help guide 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

Lorlatinib (a targeted cancer pill)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could shrink advanced lung tumors enough to allow surgery, potentially improving long-term control of the disease.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 48 participants. It is not yet proven to work better than standard treatment, and side effects from lorlatinib or surgery are possible.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital

    Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China

  • Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital

    Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

  • Peking Union Medical College Hospital

    Beijin, Beijin, 100730, China

  • The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University

    Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China