NCT05502523 · Thomas Jefferson University
The Impact of Surgical Technique on Circulating Tumor DNA in Stage I-III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
What this study is about
This clinical trial compares the effect of pulmonary vein-first surgical technique to pulmonary artery-first surgical technique in decreasing circulating tumor cell deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) in patients with stage I-III non-small cell lung cancer.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial compares the effect of pulmonary vein-first surgical technique to pulmonary artery-first surgical technique in decreasing circulating tumor cell deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) in patients with stage I-III non-small cell lung cancer. Pulmonary vein first and pulmonary artery first surgical techniques are standard surgical techniques for the division of the blood vessels during lung resection surgery. Pulmonary vein-first surgical technique may reduce the risk of shedding tumor cells during surgery and influence long term overall survival.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Pulmonary Artery-First Surgical Technique
Undergo pulmonary artery first surgical technique
PROCEDURE
Biospecimen Collection
Correlative studies
Primary outcome measures
Circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) status
Time frame: At postoperative day 2
Stratified by surgical vascular division technique. A peripheral blood sample will be taken at the time of surgery to determine baseline ctDNA status. Following surgical resection a blood sample will be taken at specified time points (postoperative day 2; postoperative day 14) to determine ctDNA levels compared to baseline. The difference in the proportion of patients who have positive ctDNA status between those undergoing division/ligation in a "pulmonary-vein first" technique compared to a "pulmonary-artery first" technique will be estimated. The risk difference will be estimated along with a 95% confidence interval.
Circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) status
Time frame: At postoperative day 14
Stratified by surgical vascular division technique. A peripheral blood sample will be taken at the time of surgery to determine baseline ctDNA status. Following surgical resection a blood sample will be taken at specified time points (postoperative day 2; postoperative day 14) to determine ctDNA levels compared to baseline. The difference in the proportion of patients who have positive ctDNA status between those undergoing division/ligation in a "pulmonary-vein first" technique compared to a "pulmonary-artery first" technique will be estimated. The risk difference will be estimated along with a 95% confidence interval.
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
- Any patients 18 years of age or older with confirmed or suspected early-stage (stage I-III) NSCLC
- Eligible and scheduled for surgical anatomic lung resection (e.g. lobectomy or segmentectomy) as routine clinical care for their disease
Exclusion criteria
- Previous cancer diagnosis within 5 years (except ductal carcinoma in situ \[DCIS\] of the breast, superficial bladder cancer, non-melanoma skin primary, other malignancy that does not require treatment).
- Preoperative chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy
- Receipt of perioperative blood transfusion
Where
- Abington, Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Related conditions & keywords
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