Can a cancer drug stop lung cancer before it starts?

NCT ID NCT03347838

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms non-small cell lung carcinoma precancerous condition Tobacco Smoking lung cancer prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BRONCHIAL DYSPLASIA HISTORY OF HEAD AND NECK CANCER HISTORY OF NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER TOBACCO SMOKING

Contacts and locations

Locations

Denver VA Hospital

Denver, Colorado, 80220, United States
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States

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