Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Robotic Lobectomy vs. Thoracoscopic Lobectomy for Early Stage Lung Cancer: RCT

This study is looking at two types of keyhole (minimally invasive) surgery for early-stage lung cancer: robotic surgery and standard video-assisted surgery (VATS). Both methods are better than traditional open surgery. However, doctors don't yet know if robotic surgery is truly better than VATS in terms of how patients recover, their quality of life afterwards, or its overall cost. This research will be the first study to directly compare these two techniques in a fair way. It aims to help doctors understand the real benefits and costs of each method to make better choices for patients in the future.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Enrolment target

446

Start

01 Jan 2016

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2031

Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Thoracic Surgery

What is this study about?

When someone has early-stage lung cancer, doctors often recommend surgery to remove the affected part of the lung. Traditionally, this was done with 'open surgery' which involves a large cut. However, in recent years, keyhole surgeries have become more common because they usually mean smaller cuts, less pain, and a faster recovery for patients.

There are two main types of keyhole surgery for lung cancer that this study is looking at: Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and Robotic Thoracic Surgery (RTS). With VATS, the surgeon uses a small camera and special tools inserted through small cuts. Robotic surgery is quite similar, but it uses much more advanced tools controlled by the surgeon. These robotic tools give the surgeon a very clear 3D view and greater flexibility in their movements, which some doctors believe makes the surgery easier to perform. Both VATS and robotic surgery are known to be much better for patients than the older open surgery method.

While both methods are good, doctors don't yet know if one is truly better than the other in terms of how patients feel afterwards, their quality of life, or even the overall cost to the healthcare system. This study is important because it's the first time these two keyhole surgeries will be directly compared in a careful and fair way. The researchers hope to find out if robotic surgery leads to a better recovery or an improved quality of life for patients. They also want to understand the true cost difference between the two approaches, which is important for making sure healthcare resources are used wisely.

Key takeaways

This study compares two keyhole surgeries for early lung cancer: VATS and robotic surgery.
Both methods are less invasive than traditional open surgery.
The study aims to see if robotic surgery offers better recovery, quality of life, or cost benefits.
It's the first study to directly and fairly compare these two modern surgical approaches.
The results will help doctors make better treatment choices for patients in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be 18 years old or older. You'd also need to have been diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, which is the most common type of lung cancer. Importantly, your surgeon must first decide that you are a suitable candidate for minimally invasive, or keyhole, surgery to remove part of your lung.

However, some people would not be able to join the study. This includes those whose lung cancer is more advanced (stage IIIb or IV). Also, if your surgeon determines that keyhole surgery isn't the right option for you, perhaps due to other health reasons or features of your cancer, then you wouldn't be able to take part in this particular study.

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 old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer?
Has your surgeon said you are suitable for keyhole lung surgery?
Is your lung cancer NOT advanced (not stage IIIb or IV)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The description provided does not give specific details about what taking part in the study involves in terms of visits, assessments, medication, follow-up, or total duration. Generally, in studies like this, participants would undergo either VATS or robotic surgery, and then their recovery, quality of life, and certain health measures would be monitored over a period of time, likely with follow-up appointments and questionnaires.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. You might benefit from receiving state-of-the-art surgical care, and your participation will help doctors understand which surgical approach is best for future patients with lung cancer. However, both surgeries carry standard risks associated with any major operation, such as infection, bleeding, or complications from anaesthesia. While the study compares two established keyhole techniques, there's always a possibility that one might have unforeseen advantages or disadvantages over the other. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

McMaster University / St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada

Common questions

What is 'keyhole' surgery?

Keyhole surgery, also called minimally invasive surgery, means the doctor makes small cuts instead of one large one. They use a camera and special tools to do the operation inside your body.

What's the difference between VATS and robotic surgery?

Both are keyhole surgeries. VATS uses a video camera and instruments. Robotic surgery uses very precise robotic arms controlled by the surgeon, offering a 3D view and greater movement.

Why is this study important?

This study is the first to directly compare VATS and robotic surgery for lung cancer. It will help doctors understand which method might offer better recovery, quality of life, and be more cost-effective for patients.

Will I get to choose which surgery I have?

In this specific study, participants will be randomly assigned to either VATS or robotic surgery, similar to flipping a coin. This helps make the comparison fair.

What does 'early-stage lung cancer' mean?

Early-stage lung cancer means the cancer is found and treated before it has spread widely to other parts of the body.