Lymph Node Dissection for Lung Cancer

Overseen By Paula Ugalde Figueroa, M.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital

Disqualifiers: Preoperative chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Central tumors

Stay on Your Current Meds You can continue your current medications while participating

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

160 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method for removing lymph nodes during lung cancer surgery. The goal is to improve lung cancer staging (categorizing based on its spread) and identify more patients who could benefit from additional treatments afterward. Participants will either undergo this new type of lymph node dissection (a surgical procedure) or join a comparison group. Individuals with a lung nodule (small growth) eligible for removal and no cancer spread might be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance future lung cancer treatments.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this technique is safe for lung cancer patients?

Research has shown that removing lymph nodes during lung cancer surgery is generally safe for patients. This procedure is the standard surgical method for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and is well-tolerated by many.

However, removing too many lymph nodes might increase the risk of heart problems after surgery. This could lead to heart-related issues later on.

Overall, the procedure is considered safe when performed within recommended limits. Participants should discuss potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider before deciding to join a clinical trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Lymph node dissection is unique because it focuses on surgically removing lymph nodes to prevent the spread of lung cancer, which sets it apart from standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation that primarily target the cancer cells themselves. Researchers are excited about this approach because it may offer more precise control of cancer spread, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients. By directly addressing the pathways through which cancer metastasizes, this method could complement existing treatments and provide a new avenue for improving survival rates in lung cancer patients.

What evidence suggests that this technique is effective for lung cancer?

Research has shown that removing lymph nodes can extend the lives of lung cancer patients, particularly those with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This trial includes an interventional group where participants will undergo lymph node dissection as outlined in the study protocol. This procedure is a common part of surgery for these patients because it helps doctors assess the cancer's spread and determine if additional treatment is necessary. However, removing too many lymph nodes can lead to complications, such as heart problems, after surgery. Overall, lymph node removal plays a crucial role in lung cancer treatment and can significantly impact outcomes. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with a lung nodule or mass who are eligible for lobectomy surgery, have no metastasis, and whose lung nodules are peripherally located. It aims to improve cancer staging and identify more patients needing additional therapy after surgery.

Inclusion Criteria

I am eligible for surgery to remove part of my lung.

My cancer has not spread to other parts of my body.

My lung nodule is located on the outer part of my lung.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Surgery and Lymph Node Dissection

Participants undergo anatomic lung resection with systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection

2 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after surgery

3 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Lymph Node Dissection

Trial Overview The study tests a standardized technique of lymph node dissection in the mediastinum and surgical specimens from lobectomies. Participants will be divided into two groups: one undergoing the new dissection method and a control group following current practices.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Retrospective cohort from 2021-2020 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: 1. Interventional group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

subjects who are being consented to this study and undergoing lymph node dissection as outlined in this protocol

Group III: Concurrent non-interventional group Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,694

Recruited

14,790,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11082698/

Impact of lymph node dissection on cancer-specific survival ... The study findings suggest that LND plays a critical role in improving cancer-specific survival in NSCLC patients, particularly when tailored to the early ...

2. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-025-90052-w

Excessive lymph node dissection increases postoperative ... Excessive lymph node dissection increases postoperative cardiovascular disease risk in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Xinyi Liang, ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169500224003805

Impact of number of dissected lymph nodes on recurrence ... In this study, number of dissected lymph nodes did not impact recurrence rate or overall survival after thoracoscopic segmentectomy for clinical stage I NSCLC.

4. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2024.1389943/full

Lymph node dissection in lung cancer surgery Recent randomized data have shown that lung cancers smaller than 2 cm can be effectively treated with less extensive lung resection, such as ...

5. ascopubs.org ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO-25-00610

Phase III Study of Mediastinal Lymph Node Dissection for ... Systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection (LND) or sampling remains the standard surgical approach for early-stage non–small cell lung cancer ...

6. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1587658/full

Safety and necessity of omitting mediastinal lymph node ... Omitting systemic mLN dissection was safe in cN0/N1 NSCLC patients who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169500203003969

Surgical outcomes of N2 and T3-4 non-small cell lung cancer Locally advanced non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), which include N2, T3 and T4 lesions generally show unfavorable prognosis. However, longer survival can be ...