Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Analysis of Screen-detected Lung Cancers' Genomic Traits

This study, called ASCENT, is looking at lung cancers found during special scans called low-dose CT (LDCT) screening. When someone has lung cancer found this way and then has surgery, the researchers closely examine the cancer — specifically its genetic makeup. The main goal is to understand what makes these screen-found cancers tick. By understanding their biological behaviour, the study aims to find simpler ways, like blood tests or different scans, to identify and understand these cancers without always needing surgery. The researchers hope this will help make lung cancer screening even safer and more effective, reducing potential downsides for patients.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

526

Start

10 Aug 2020

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Lung Cancer

What is this study about?

The ASCENT study is all about understanding lung cancers that are found early through special screening scans. Imagine you have a new mobile phone – the researchers in this study are trying to understand its internal workings, its 'genomic traits', to see what makes it unique. In this case, the 'phone' is a lung cancer that’s been spotted thanks to a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan, which is a type of X-ray that takes detailed pictures of your lungs.

When a lung cancer is found this way and a patient has surgery to remove it, the study team looks very closely at the cancer tissue. They're trying to figure out if cancers found during screening have particular characteristics that set them apart. This research is important because if we can understand these unique features, we might be able to find new, simpler ways to check on these cancers. Currently, finding out more about a cancer often involves invasive procedures.

The ultimate aim is to develop methods that don't require surgery to understand these early-stage lung cancers better. This could mean using blood tests or advanced imaging to learn about the cancer's behaviour. By doing this, the researchers hope to make lung cancer screening even safer and easier for people, reducing the need for more complex procedures and making sure that screening provides the most benefit with the fewest potential downsides.

Key takeaways

This study explores lung cancers found through screening scans.
It aims to understand the unique genetic makeup of these early cancers.
The goal is to find non-surgical ways to assess lung cancers.
Participation uses existing medical samples and data; no extra tests are needed.
This research hopes to make lung cancer screening safer and more effective.
All decisions about your care remain with your own doctors.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would typically need to be between 50 and 77 years old. The study is open to both men and women. A key requirement is that you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, or there's a strong belief you have lung cancer, because of a low-dose CT screening scan.

You also need to be planning to have, or have recently had, surgery to remove this lung cancer. It’s important that you are able to understand and provide your written consent to take part. If your samples are being used from the past, verbal permission might be enough for that specific part of the study.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if you've already had certain treatments for your lung cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy before your surgery (called neoadjuvant therapy). Also, if you have certain active infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or Syphilis, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 50 and 77 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with lung cancer (or suspected) because of a screening scan?
Are you having, or have you recently had, surgery for this lung cancer?
Do you understand and agree to let researchers use your anonymised medical information and tissue samples?
Have you NOT received chemotherapy or radiation for this cancer before surgery?
Do you NOT have active HIV, Hepatitis B or C, or Syphilis?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This is an 'observational' study. This means you won't be given any new treatments or medicines as part of the study itself. Instead, the researchers will mainly be looking at information gathered during your standard medical care, especially from the lung cancer tissue removed during your surgery. They will also look at other medical information they collect, such as from scans and other tests you have as part of your normal treatment. You would be asked to provide consent for them to use these samples and data.

There are no extra visits, assessments, or follow-up appointments required solely for this study beyond what your doctors already recommend for your care. The duration of your involvement would essentially align with your treatment and follow-up for lung cancer, allowing the researchers to gather data from your journey. You would not be given any study medication.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study doesn't involve any new medical procedures, so there are no direct physical risks to you from the study itself. Any risks you experience would be those related to your standard lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly your surgery. The main benefit to you directly is knowing that your individual medical information is contributing to a greater understanding of lung cancer. This research aims to improve lung cancer screening for future patients by helping doctors find better, less invasive ways to understand and monitor these cancers. You have the right to withdraw your consent and participation at any time, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

St Bart's Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom
UCLH
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What kind of information will the researchers collect from me?

They will mainly look at tissue from your lung cancer surgery and information from your existing medical scans and records.

Do I need to do anything extra if I join the study?

No, you don't need any extra tests, appointments, or medications beyond your normal medical care.

Will this study change my lung cancer treatment?

No, this study is 'observational,' meaning it won’t alter the treatment your doctors recommend for you.

Who is funding this research?

The information provided does not specify the funding source, but typically research studies are funded by government bodies, charities, or sometimes pharmaceutical companies.

If I join, what happens to my personal information?

Your personal information will be kept strictly private and handled according to data protection laws to protect your privacy.