Can a cancer drug stop lung cancer before it starts?
NCT ID NCT03347838
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether the drug nivolumab (Opdivo) can reverse early, pre-cancerous changes in the lungs of current or former heavy smokers who are at high risk for lung cancer. Nineteen participants receive nivolumab to see if their lung tissue improves over six months. The goal is to prevent lung cancer from developing, but the trial is small and early-stage.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
nivolumab (Opdivo)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a way to reverse early lung changes before they become cancer, potentially preventing lung cancer in high-risk smokers.
What could go wrong
This is a very small early-phase trial with only 19 people. The drug may cause immune-related side effects, and it is not yet known if it will work or be safe long-term.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for TOBACCO SMOKING are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Denver VA Hospital
Denver, Colorado, 80220, United States
-
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States