Checking lymph nodes by ultrasound before radiation for lung cancer
Tests a minimally invasive lymph node check in adults with non-small cell lung cancer.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Lymph Node Staging in Patients With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Pursuing Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee the site
Where in Canada
- Toronto General HospitalToronto, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University Health Network, Toronto
- Trial code
- NCT01786590
- Record updated
- 4 May 2026
- Original description
It is reported that more than 90,000 patients died of lung cancer and more than 20% of them were older than 80 years in North America. Therefore a less invasive but effective treatment is required for patients with lung cancer of advanced age, diminished pulmonary functions, and chronic diseases. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for early stage lung cancer in medically inoperable patients. On the other hand, accurate mediastinal and hilar lymph node staging is one of the most important factors that determine the outcome and indications for SBRT. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a novel, minimally invasive modality that enables the assessment of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes with a high sensitivity. Accurate lymph node staging by EBUS-TBNA will allow opportunities for high-risk patients with lung cancer to undergo minimally invasive treatment.Read full original descriptionShow less
Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Lymph Node Staging in Patients With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Pursuing Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
It is reported that more than 90,000 patients died of lung cancer and more than 20% of them were older than 80 years in North America. Therefore a less invasive but effective treatment is required for patients with lung cancer of advanced age, diminished pulmonary functions, and chronic diseases. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for early stage lung cancer in medically inoperable patients. On the other hand, accurate mediastinal and hilar lymph node staging is one of the most important factors that determine the outcome and indications for SBRT. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a novel, minimally invasive modality that enables the assessment of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes with a high sensitivity. Accurate lymph node staging by EBUS-TBNA will allow opportunities for high-risk patients with lung cancer to undergo minimally invasive treatment.
Inclusion: Age 18 years or older; Patients with confirmed lung cancer who require EBUS-TBNA as part of their staging investigations of the mediastinum and hilum prior to SBRT; Performance status score (WHO/ECOG) of 0-2; Cytological or histological proof of non-small cell cancer; Stage T1-2 disease, with no evidence of distant metastasis; Patients are screened by both computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET); Medically inoperable for surgical resection; Patients who refused surgery.
Exclusion: Active systemic, pulmonary, or pericardial infection; Patients with plans to receive conventional radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy, vaccine therapy, or surgery as treatment (except at disease progression); Patients who are deemed on clinical grounds not to be medically fit for a bronchoscopy; Patients who are pregnant or lactating; Inability to give informed consent.