Heat vs. scalpel: new study tests microwave ablation for lung cancer
NCT ID NCT04430725
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two standard treatments for lung tumors: microwave ablation, which uses heat to kill cancer cells, and surgical wedge resection, which removes a small piece of lung. Researchers want to see which method works better and is safer for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, sarcoma, or colorectal cancer that has spread to the lungs. About 74 participants will be followed to track tumor recurrence and side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- microwave ablation
- What this could lead to
- If this trial succeeds, it could show that microwave ablation is a safe and effective alternative to surgery for certain lung tumors, potentially reducing recovery time.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-stage study (74 participants) comparing two established procedures. Results may not apply to all patients, and there is a risk of tumor recurrence or side effects from the ablation.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
-
74 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Aug 2019
- Expected to finish
-
Jan 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Patients with non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic sarcoma, or metastatic colorectal cancer.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient has a lung lesion(s) that is either biopsy-proven cancer or shows sequential growth on CT imaging with clinical suspicion for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-stage I; NSCLC-stage \> 1; metastatic sarcoma; or metastatic colorectal (CRC) cancer * 3 cm or less tumor size * Other sites for cancer are either controlled or there are plans for control * Expected margin at least 1 cm from critical structures, allowing for protective strategies such as induction of therapeutic pneumothorax. Critical structures include the trachea, main bronchi, esophagus, aorta, aortic arch branches, superior vena cava (SVC), main, right or left pulmonary artery, or heart. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient is considered high risk for ablation due to major comorbid medical conditions * Patient is pregnant or breast feeding
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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
-
M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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