PET imaging For eaRly predictiOn of respoNse to neoadjuvanT tReatment in lUNg caNcER
Non-small cell lung cancer is often treated with drugs such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy before a patient has surgery. This is known as treatment before surgery, or neoadjuvant treatment. At the moment, it can be hard for doctors to tell straight away if these treatments are shrinking the tumour. This trial is testing whether PET scans can spot how well a tumour is responding early in the treatment course. A PET scan is a safe imaging test that highlights active cells in the body. By scanning patients before and during their early treatment, researchers hope to see changes in the cancer sooner. If successful, this approach could help doctors make faster decisions about a person's care, ensuring they get the most effective treatment possible without unnecessary delays.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people are diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, doctors often recommend treatment before surgery. This might involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted medicines. The goal of this early treatment is to shrink the tumour and clear away any stray cancer cells, making surgery safer and more effective. However, it can take weeks or months to know for sure if the treatment is doing its job.
This clinical study explores whether a type of scan called a PET scan can give doctors answers much sooner. PET scans use a tiny, safe amount of a radioactive liquid (a tracer) that helps doctors see how active cells are inside the body. Cancer cells are usually very active and take up more of the tracer, making them glow on the scan images.
In this study, researchers are checking whether changes on the PET scans taken early in treatment can predict if the tumour is responding. If the scan shows that the cancer cells are becoming less active, it suggests the treatment is working well. If there is little change, doctors might in future be able to switch to another treatment sooner.
By taking part, you help researchers learn whether these scans could become a routine tool across the NHS. In the long run, this could lead to more personalised lung cancer care, sparing patients from treatments that are not working for them and getting them the right help faster.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether PET scans can quickly show if lung cancer is responding to treatment before surgery.
- Open to adults aged 18 and over with non-small cell lung cancer.
- Involves having extra imaging scans alongside your planned NHS cancer treatments.
- Helps researchers develop more tailored, personal treatment plans for future patients.
- Taking part is completely voluntary and will not delay your usual medical care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is designed for adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. To be suitable, you must be due to receive medical treatment—such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy—before planned surgery for your cancer.
You will need to be well enough to attend hospital appointments and undergo scan procedures. Both men and women can join. Your cancer specialist will check your medical history to make sure taking part is safe for you.
You may not be able to take part if you have certain other serious medical conditions, if you cannot have a PET scan, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your hospital team will carefully review all of these details with you before you agree to join.
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.
- I am aged 18 or older.
- I have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer.
- My care plan includes having treatment (such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy) before surgery.
- I am able to attend extra hospital visits for imaging scans.
- I am comfortable lying still in a scanner for around 30 minutes.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will have PET scans at planned times, such as before starting your cancer treatment and again during the early cycles of your therapy. For each scan, a nurse or doctor will place a small plastic tube (cannula) into a vein in your arm to give you a small amount of liquid tracer. You will then rest for about an hour before lying still on a padded bed that slides through the scanner. Each scan usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. You will continue to receive your planned cancer treatment and surgery as arranged by your usual medical team. The study team will monitor your progress and check on your recovery during your standard clinic visits. In total, your participation will last through your treatment and the routine follow-up period following your surgery.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- —UnverifiedNetherlands
- —UnverifiedGermany
Common questions
What is a PET scan?
A PET scan is an imaging test that uses a very mild radioactive tracer to take detailed pictures of tissues and organs. It shows how active your cells are, which helps doctors spot cancer cells clearly.
Will taking part delay my cancer surgery?
No. The scans are carefully timed to fit alongside your planned cancer treatment and will not delay your surgery or routine care.
Does the scan hurt?
The scan itself is completely painless. You may feel a brief scratch when the needle for the tracer is inserted into your arm, and you will need to lie still on the scanner bed.
Do I have to pay to take part?
No. All study tests and scans are provided free of charge through the trial, and you may be able to claim back travel expenses.
Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
Yes, you can leave at any time without giving a reason. Your doctors will continue to give you the best possible NHS cancer care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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