New study aims to catch lung cancer before symptoms start

NCT ID NCT02504697

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Boston University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study is looking for early signs of lung cancer in people at high risk, such as older smokers or those with COPD. Researchers will collect blood and airway samples from 665 participants to find biomarkers that could predict lung cancer before symptoms appear. The goal is to improve screening so that lung cancer can be caught earlier, when treatment is more likely to work.

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 lead to a simple test that spots lung cancer earlier, when it's easier to treat, and helps focus screening on those at highest risk.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. The biomarkers found may not prove accurate enough for widespread use, and results may take years to confirm.

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.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease lung cancer lung disorder pulmonary emphysema

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PULMONARY DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Boston University Medical Center

Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States
Boston VA Research Institute, Inc

Boston, Massachusetts, 02132, United States
Dallas VA Research Corporation

Dallas, Texas, 75216, United States
Denver Research Institute

Denver, Colorado, 80220, United States
Health Research Inc. Roswell Park Division

Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States
Middle Tennessee Research Institute (Vanderbilt University)

Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, United States
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

Portsmouth, Virginia, 23708, United States
Naval Medical Center San Diego

San Diego, California, 92134, United States
Regents of the University of California LA (Los Angeles VA Healthcare System)

Los Angeles, California, 90073, United States
San Antonio Military Medical Center

San Antonio, Texas, 78219, United States
Trustees of University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia VA Medical Center)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
University of California Los Angeles Medical Center

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
Veterans Research Foundation of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 14520, United States
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20889, United States

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