Proton therapy breakthrough: fewer radiation sessions could boost lung cancer survival

NCT ID NCT01770418

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a new way to deliver proton radiation for stage II-III non-small cell lung cancer. Instead of standard daily doses over many weeks, patients receive higher doses per session (hypofractionation) over a shorter time, combined with chemotherapy. The goal is to find the safest highest dose and see if it helps patients live at least 12 months. About 32 people are taking part.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Proton radiotherapy with chemotherapy (paclitaxel/carboplatin or cisplatin/etoposide)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a shorter, more effective radiation schedule for lung cancer, potentially improving survival and reducing side effects.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 32 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. Higher radiation doses also carry increased risk of lung or heart damage.

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.

lung neoplasm neoplasm non-small cell lung carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute

    Hampton, Virginia, 23666, United States

  • Maryland Proton Treatment Center

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

  • Northwestern Medicine Chicago Proton Center

    Warrenville, Illinois, 60555, United States

  • Oklahoma Proton Center

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73142, United States

  • Princeton ProCure Management LLC

    Somerset, New Jersey, 08873, United States

  • University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute

    Jacksonville, Florida, 32206, United States