NCT02146170 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Tissue Procurement and Natural History Study of People With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer, Extrapulmonary Small Cell Cancer, Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumors, and Thymic Epithelial Tumors
What this study is about
Background: \- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. It causes more than one million deaths every year. Researchers want to gather tissue samples from people with lung and thymic cancers to understand the disease better. This may lead to new ways to diagnose and treat it. Objective: \- To collect tissue samples for use in the study of lung cancers.
View original scientific description
Background: \- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. It causes more than one million deaths every year. Researchers want to gather tissue samples from people with lung and thymic cancers to understand the disease better. This may lead to new ways to diagnose and treat it. Objective: \- To collect tissue samples for use in the study of lung cancers. Eligibility: \- Adults over age 18 with non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, extra pulmonary small cell cancer, pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors, and thymic epithelial tumors. Design: * Participants will be screened with a medical history, physical exam, and blood tests. They will be asked about how they perform their daily tasks. * Participants may be asked to give urine and blood samples. They may give a saliva sample if they cannot give blood. They will also give a sample of their tumor from a biopsy they had. They may also be given the option to undergo a biopsy. * Participants may have MRI, CT, and/or PET scans of the body. They will lie in a machine that takes pictures of the body. * After visits to the Clinical Center end, researchers will contact participants by phone every year to check on their health.
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
- Individuals with histologically or cytologically confirmed NSCLC, SCLC, ESCC, PNET, and TET.
- Individuals consulted in the Clinical Center without a definitive diagnosis, but clinically considered likely to have a malignancy of the above histologies, pending further tissue acquisition and/or pathology review.
- Age greater than or equal to18 years. Children are excluded from the study, as the above thoracic malignancies are rare in this population.
- Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion criteria
- Active symptomatic major organ disorder that would increase the risk of biopsy, including but not limited to ischemic heart disease, recent myocardial infarction, active congestive heart failure, pulmonary dysfunction.
- Active concomitant medical or psychological illnesses that may increase the risk to the subject, at the discretion of the Principal Investigator.
- Known HIV-positive individuals not on combination antiretroviral therapy are ineligible.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
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 Jul 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations