Lung cancer showdown: surgery or radiation – which is better?

NCT ID NCT05183932

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

Summary

This study follows 446 people with stage I non-small cell lung cancer who chose either surgery or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Researchers will track cancer recurrence, survival, and quality of life for up to 3 years to see which treatment offers better outcomes. The goal is to provide clearer guidance for patients and doctors facing this decision.

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 study could help doctors and patients choose between surgery and radiation for early-stage lung cancer based on real-world outcomes.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study, not a randomized trial, so results may be influenced by patient selection. It does not test a new treatment.

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.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Carle Cancer Institute

    Urbana, Illinois, 61801, United States

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

  • Duke University

    Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States

  • Emory University

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering

    New York, New York, 10065, United States

  • University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • University of Toronto

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Washington University School of Medicine

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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