New study aims to catch lung cancer before symptoms start

NCT ID NCT02504697

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.

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.

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.

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