5 New Lung Cancer Clinical Trials for 2023

What Is the New Lung Cancer Treatment for 2023?

A medical diagnosis can be an overwhelming feeling. You may ask, “Why me?” You may also experience uncertainty about your treatment, the payments, or the future. For example, after doctors diagnose you with lung cancer, treatment can be costly and never-ending. Fortunately, the public can participate in clinical trials, and researchers actively recruit patients diagnosed with life-changing diseases such as lung cancer or mesothelioma.

After receiving a severe condition diagnosis like lung cancer or mesothelioma, clinical trials may benefit you. Clinical trials allow patients to try emerging drugs, treatments, or medical devices for specific illnesses. For example, patients seeking mesothelioma and lung cancer treatment can try different therapies during these tests. Clinical trials promise new options for late-stage cancer patients as well as those who have tried other treatments. These emerging treatments help patients and scientists as they study and research the effects of the therapies. We have rounded up five clinical trials accepting new patients in 2023.

Lung Cancer Biomarkers and Screening Clinical Trial

This lung cancer clinical trial sponsored by NYU Langone Health focuses on lung cancer biomarkers and screening. The study’s objectives include identifying and validating biomarkers for the early detection of lung cancer in individuals at risk for smoking-related cancers. In addition, the study hopes to identify lung cancer patients’ preneoplastic cellular changes and lesions.

The trial will include subjects currently healthy but at risk for lung cancer as they are either former or never smokers. By doing this, doctors can utilize screening tests and biomarkers to find tumor cells early and effectively diagnose and treat lung cancer. Biomarkers and screening tests look for genes, proteins, and other substances to provide insight into cancer development which is vital to determine cancer development. The study began in 2000, and Langone estimates to complete it in 2023. The study forecasts enrollment of over 6,000 patients and continues to recruit those over 50 with a smoking history.

Mesothelioma Targeted Therapy Clinical Trial

This mesothelioma clinical trial tests the addition of targeted radiation therapy to surgery and chemotherapy treatment. The study uses targeted therapy like intensity-modulated radiation therapy or pencil beam scans to kill and shrink tumors. NRG Oncology and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are collaborating on this clinical trial. They hope to learn more about the expansion of Pemetrexed and Cisplatin for Stage I-IIIA malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Pemetrexed is an antifolate antineoplastic cancer medication that halts cancer cell multiplication. Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug that kills cells that divide quickly, like cancer cells. The organization hopes that by using these targeted methods alongside surgery and chemotherapy, the combined treatment may work better than standalone therapy.

The trial, led by Andreas Rimner, MD, began in November 2019 and continues to recruit patients with pleural mesothelioma. Interested patients can participate in this mesothelioma clinical trial in over 27 locations, including some in Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and much more.

SBRT Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Clinical Trial

This pilot study aims to review the results of single-fraction stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in non-small cell lung cancer. SBRT offers lowers treatment costs (one-third of the average price) and convenience as it implements the one-dose strategy. The pilot study started in 2021 and is anticipated to complete by 2025. In the past, the cancer center’s research has shown that one treatment of SBRT is equally effective as longer courses of radiation therapy for patients.

The Roswell Park Cancer Institute’s trial looks to conclude if a single treatment of SBRT-targeted radiation can be as safe and effective as multiple doses in central NSCLC. The NSCLC clinical trial spearheaded by Anurag Singh, MD, is held at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York.

Neoantigen Vaccine for Small Cell Lung Cancer Clinical Trial

Small cell lung cancer is an extremely rare type of lung cancer, which can lead patients like you to search for available clinical trials. The Washington University School of Medicine is collaborating with AstraZeneca to research the progression-free survival of patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). The investigation began in 2022, but WashU is still recruiting, as they expect the study to complete in 2026. Interested participants can join the study in St. Louis, Missouri, at the Washington University School of Medicine by contacting the principal investigator, Jeffrey Ward, MD, Ph.D.

This Phase II study investigates the hypothesis that a personalized neoantigen vaccine combined with durvalumab will significantly improve the progression-free survival of patients with ES-SCLC. The study defines progression-free survival (PFS) as the duration of time from the start of durvalumab to the time of cancer’s progression or the patient’s death. The trial will also test the patient’s response conversion rate, the duration of response, and overall survival. These criteria will assist medical professionals in providing a cure for small cell lung cancer.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Clinical Trial

Many clinical trials rightly focus on working towards a cure or treating conditions like lung cancer; however, a clinical trial performed by Duke University takes a unique approach to treatment by focusing on patient mental health. Research shows metastatic lung cancer patients experience more significant psychological distress, like depression and anxiety, than other cancers.

Additionally, this distress often leads to worse clinical outcomes and poorer overall survival (OS) in cancer patients. Therefore, this clinical trial dives deeper into mental health by teaching patients behavioral skills such as distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Duke University posted this clinical trial in July 2021 and is accepting patients, aiming to complete the study in 2024.

What Happens After Lung Cancer is Treated?

Participating in a clinical trial can be intimidating as you are often unsure of what the outcome will look like. However, even if your trial does not succeed, you are helping scientists discover the next step to the cure for lung cancer. During a clinical trial, the study contact will likely monitor your health for a significant amount of time. Even if you reach cancer remission, your doctors will probably check your body regularly for any signs of recurrence. This review may include regular doctor appointments, a careful diet and lifestyle, and other particulars that could influence your life.
Once you are undergoing treatment or reach remission, you may have time to consider seeking compensation. Many people diagnosed with lung cancer were negligently exposed to toxins such as asbestos and secondhand smoke. By participating in a legal case, you may receive restitution for your treatment and court fees. If you are unsure how to get started, our patient advocate team can help. With world-renowned litigators on your side, you can receive the justice you deserve.

Disclaimer: None of the mentioned organizations are professionally affiliated with Lung Cancer Center.