Breath and blood tests could spot lung cancer early

NCT ID NCT04165564

Ongoing Diagnosis Sponsor: Boston University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study is testing whether biomarkers found in blood and airway samples can help predict lung cancer in people with suspicious lung nodules. Researchers will collect samples from 85 high-risk smokers and compare them to standard imaging results. The goal is to improve how doctors diagnose lung cancer without relying solely on invasive procedures.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Biosamples of airway and blood
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a simple, noninvasive test that helps doctors tell whether a lung nodule is cancerous or not, reducing unnecessary procedures.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study (85 participants) focused on biomarker validation, not a treatment. The biomarkers may not prove accurate enough for widespread use.

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.

lung disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PULMONARY DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

American College of Radiology [Administrative Site]

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103, United States
Brown University [Administrative Site]

Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States
Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
MD Anderson Cancer Center [Administrative Site]

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
Mayo Clinic

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

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

San Diego, California, 92134, United States
Temple University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19140, United States
University of Alabama, Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States
University of California Los Angeles

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

Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States
VA Boston Healthcare System

Boston, Massachusetts, 02110, United States
VA Greater LA Healthcare System

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System

Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20889, United States
West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia, 26505, United States

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