RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Bronchoscopic Microwave Ablation of Lung Tissue in Surgical Candidates - UK

This study is looking at a new medical device that uses heat, specifically microwave energy, to destroy lung cancer cells. This process is called ablation. Researchers want to see if this device can effectively treat lung tumours, or tumours that have spread to the lungs. If successful, this technology could mean that in the future, patients with certain lung tumours might not need traditional surgery to remove them. This could lead to faster recovery and fewer complications like a significant operation might have. This study will involve people who are already scheduled for lung surgery, and they will receive this new microwave ablation treatment just before their planned operation. It's happening in the UK and Italy with a small group of participants.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Creo Medical Limited

Enrolment target

Start

14 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Lung Cancer

What is this study about?

Imagine a new way to treat lung tumours that uses targeted heat, like a tiny medical microwave, to destroy cancer cells. That's essentially what this study is exploring. Researchers are testing a special device called the MicroBlate Flex instrument. This device delivers microwave energy directly to lung tumours, heating them up to kill the cancerous cells. This technique is called 'ablation'. The main idea behind this research is to see if this method can safely and effectively treat lung tumours.

Why does this matter? Well, for people with lung tumours, surgery is often the main treatment. But surgery can be a big operation with a long recovery time. If this new microwave ablation treatment works well, it could offer a less invasive option in the future. This might mean that some patients could avoid major surgery altogether, leading to quicker healing, less pain, and fewer potential problems after treatment.

In this study, participants are people who are already going to have surgery to remove their lung tumours. The microwave ablation procedure will be an extra step done *before* their planned surgery. This allows doctors to safely assess how well the ablation works before the tumour is removed. The study is funded by Creo Medical, the company that developed the device, and will involve up to 18 participants across the UK and Italy.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new heat-based treatment (microwave ablation) for lung cancer.
It aims to see if this treatment could eventually reduce the need for major lung surgery.
Participants will receive the ablation treatment *before* their planned lung surgery.
The study helps us learn if the new method is safe and effective.
It involves about two months of study-specific procedures and visits.
The research could benefit future patients by offering less invasive treatment options.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer, with tumours that are relatively small (measured at 20mm or less). You must also be someone who your medical team has already decided needs surgery to remove your lung tumour.

There are also some important reasons why you might *not* be able to take part. For example, if your tumour is too close to important structures like your heart, major blood vessels, or spine, or if you have a history of a full lung removal. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals cannot join, nor can those with certain heart or lung conditions like high blood pressure in the lungs. If you've recently had chemotherapy, radiation, or other specific treatments, you might also be excluded. The aim is to make sure the study is as safe as possible for everyone involved.

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 18 years or older?
Do you have confirmed lung cancer?
Has your medical team already decided you need surgery for your lung tumour?
Are your lung tumours 20mm or smaller?
Are you well enough for general anaesthesia and study procedures?
Are your tumours not too close to major organs like the heart or spine?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your involvement will last for about two months. It starts with a screening visit to check if you're suitable. Then, you'll have a procedure called a bronchoscopy, where the microwave ablation treatment will be performed. This involves a thin, flexible tube being passed into your airways to reach the tumour. After the ablation, you'll have your planned lung surgery 7 to 21 days later to remove the treated tumour.

During this time, you'll have two follow-up visits: one about 7 days after the ablation, and another just before your surgery. After your surgery, the hospital will look after you as they normally would. Your participation in the research study specifically ends once you are discharged from the hospital.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help many people in the future by offering a less invasive way to treat lung tumours, leading to faster recovery and fewer complications than major surgery. For you personally, you would be undergoing an additional procedure (the microwave ablation) on top of your planned surgery. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, but these will be fully explained by the study team. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

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

Istituto Europeo di Oncologia (IEO), Via Ripamonti 435
Verified postcode
Milan, Italy· Not yet recruiting
Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is microwave ablation?

It's a treatment where a special device uses heat (microwave energy) to destroy cancer cells in your lung tumour.

Will I still need surgery if I join this study?

Yes, in this particular study, you will have the microwave ablation first, and then you will still have your planned lung surgery.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your active participation in the study, including the extra procedures and visits, will be around two months.

Who is funding this research?

The study is funded by Creo Medical, the company that developed the microwave ablation device.

Could this treatment mean I avoid surgery in the future?

That's the hope for future patients, but in *this* study, it's being tested alongside planned surgery to gather important information.

How to find out more

Charlie Campion

charlie.campion@creomedical.com +44 7939 600137 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.