NCT06717334 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A Study of Lung Cancer Screening in People With Unexplained Weight Loss
What this study is about
The researchers are doing this study to see if people with unexplained weight loss who have lung cancer screening are more likely to have or develop lung cancer than people without unexplained weight loss.
View original scientific description
The researchers are doing this study to see if people with unexplained weight loss who have lung cancer screening are more likely to have or develop lung cancer than people without unexplained weight loss. The lung cancer screening will involve use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), a CT scan that gives off very low doses of radiation and can make detailed pictures of the lungs to help find tumors. The study researchers will also analyze participants' blood samples to determine if blood testing can be used to help to diagnose lung cancer.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Eligible for American Cancer Society lung cancer screening, as follows:
- Age 50-80 years old
- At least 20-pack year history of smoking
- Weight loss of 3-10%, defined as UWL, within any timeframe over the past in the 18 months prior to enrollment, that cannot be attributed to an underlying medical condition at the discretion of the enrolling investigator
- Note that patients who have 3-10% weight may still be enrolled if the enrolling investigator does not conclude that the weight loss can be attributed to the patient's intentional efforts.
- Documented weight loss can be self-reported or extracted from weights obtained during physician visits. However, if self-reported weight loss is contradicted by weight loss documented in the medical record (e.g. a patients states that (s)he lost 10 lbs in the past 6 months, but a weight documented in the medical record does not support that history), the measured and quantified weight change will be used to ascertain eligibility
- Life expectancy greater than 1 year, per assessment of the treating clinician.
Exclusion criteria
- Currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant via self-report
- Prior history of recent CT scan of the chest either through LDCT screening or with a scan of the chest (standard, not LDCT) performed within the past 12 months
- Prior history of NSCLC ○ Note that patients with a history of diagnosis of non-lung cancers are eligible for the study.
- Currently undergoing or referred for diagnostic evaluation due to clinical suspicion for malignancy (e.g., referred to a medical or surgical oncologist, or scheduled for biopsy on the basis of a suspicious imaging abnormality).
- Patients with a germline pathogenic genetic variant who have undergone whole body MRI within the past 12 months
- Unable to comply with study procedures
Where
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Middletown, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- Commack, New York
- Harrison, New York
- New York, New York
- The Bronx, New York
- Uniondale, New York
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations