NCT06716580 · Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
EQUAL: EGFR ctDNA QUantative Assessment for Lung Cancer Screening in Asian and Latinx Populations
(EQUAL)
What this study is about
This research study is studying a new blood test to screen for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) positive lung cancer in healthy individuals at risk for the disease and who cannot undergo regular lung cancer screening.
View original scientific description
This research study is studying a new blood test to screen for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) positive lung cancer in healthy individuals at risk for the disease and who cannot undergo regular lung cancer screening.
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
- (Aims 1, 2, and 3) for Group 1 (50 through 80 years of age):
- Non-tobacco using (currently)
- Self-identify as East Asian (including Southeast Asian) or Hispanic/Latinx.
- East Asian includes those who self-identify as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Malaysian
- Southeast Asian includes those who self-identify as Cambodian, Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino
- Latinx includes those who self-identify as a person of Central or South American and the Caribbean including, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican culture or origin, excluding individuals originating from Spain
- Aims 1 and 2: Able to complete and understand the study's informed consent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese, or Cape Verdean
- Aim 3: Able to complete and understand the study's informed consent and participate in a focus group in English, Mandarin, Vietnamese, or Spanish. Inclusion Criteria (Aims 1, 2, and 3) for Group 2 (40 through 49 years of age):
- Non-tobacco using (currently)
- Self-identify as East Asian (including Southeast Asian) or Latinx, if any of the following criteria are met:
- Family history of EGFR positive LC L858R or exon 19
- Personal history of remote cancer that is not LC or other thoracic malignancies, including thymoma, thymic carcinoma, or sarcoma, as long as it was resolved over 5 years ago
- History of TB, asthma requiring daily inhaled corticosteroids or chronic bronchitis
- Symptoms of lung cancer for the past month, including hemoptysis, unexplained weight loss, voice hoarseness, cough or worsening cough, dyspnea or worsening dyspnea
- Excluding individuals who concurrently present with fever, covid/influenza/RSV/adenovirus infection, runny nose, sore throat, productive cough with green or yellow sputum
- Aims 1 and 2: Able to complete and understand the study's informed consent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese, or Cape Verdean
- Aim 3: Able to complete and understand the study's informed consent and participate in a focus group in English, Mandarin, Vietnamese, or Spanish.
Exclusion criteria
- (Aims 1, 2, and 3) for Groups 1 and 2:
- Having had a chest CT scan in the last 3 years or having an anticipated chest CT scan during the enrollment period.
- Having a current cancer or history of cancer within the last 5 years, excluding localized non-melanoma skin cancer and breast ductal carcinoma in situ.
- More than 400 lifetime cigarettes (i.e., 20 packs) of smoking or tobacco use
- Adults unable to provide informed consent
- Individuals \<40 years of age
- Pregnant women
- Personal diagnosis of lung cancer
- Not able to be compliant with study requirements
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Brighton, Massachusetts
- Methuen, Massachusetts
- South Weymouth, Massachusetts
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 Dec 10, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations