Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for more deaths than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. The treatment landscape has transformed in the past decade thanks to targeted therapies for driver mutations (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS) and checkpoint immunotherapy. Clinical trials are pushing this progress further — testing combination regimens, antibody-drug conjugates, CAR-T cell therapies, and early detection methods that could save thousands of lives each year.
Find Lung Cancer Trials Near You
Search thousands of actively recruiting NSCLC, SCLC, and rare lung cancer studies. Filter by mutation status, stage, and location. Updated daily from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Search Lung Cancer Trials →Tip: Many lung cancer trials require molecular profiling (next-generation sequencing or biomarker testing) before enrollment. If you haven't had a tumor biopsy with molecular testing, ask your oncologist — knowing your mutation status can dramatically expand the trials you qualify for.
What to Expect as a Participant
- Eligibility screening typically involves reviewing your pathology report, imaging results, prior treatment history, and performance status (ECOG score).
- Treatment may involve oral targeted therapy pills (taken at home), IV infusions at a cancer center, or combinations of both — the protocol will specify the visit schedule.
- All study medications, imaging (CT, PET), and protocol-required lab work are provided at no cost during the trial.
- Enrollment in a trial does not prevent you from seeking a second opinion or switching to standard care if needed — your participation is always voluntary.
Common Questions
Do I need to know my lung cancer mutation status to search for trials?
Not for searching, but many trials require specific biomarkers (EGFR, ALK, KRAS G12C, etc.) for enrollment. Use TrialFinder to find relevant studies, then confirm eligibility with the study coordinator once you have your molecular profiling results.
Are there trials for never-smokers with lung cancer?
Yes. Lung cancer in never-smokers is increasingly common and often driven by specific mutations (especially EGFR and ALK). Many targeted therapy trials do not have smoking history as an eligibility criterion.
What phases of lung cancer trials are commonly available?
Phase 1 trials test new drugs or combinations for the first time. Phase 2 trials evaluate efficacy in a specific cancer subtype. Phase 3 trials compare a new regimen to the current standard of care in hundreds to thousands of patients — these typically offer the most direct benefit.
Can I enroll in a trial if I've already had multiple lines of treatment?
Often yes — many trials specifically seek patients who have progressed on prior therapies. Some Phase 1 trials have no prior treatment restrictions. Check the "Prior Therapy" section of each trial's eligibility criteria.