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Non-small Cell Lung CancerNCT02617186

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

A study testing Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and Robotic thoracic surgery in people with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Thoracic Surgery, run by St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton at 1 site in Canada.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

During video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATS), the surgeon inserts a small camera attached to a thoracoscope that puts the image onto a video screen. Instruments are inserted via small incisions, and the lung resection is completed. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Thoracic Surgery
What is being tested?
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and Robotic thoracic surgery
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
446 participants
Where
1 siteCanada
Study dates
Jan 2016to Sep 2031
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age >/= 18 years
  • Clinical stage I, II or IIIa non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
  • Candidates for minimally invasive pulmonary lobectomy, as determined by the operating surgeon.

Who cannot join

  • Clinical stage IIIb or IV NSCLC
  • Not a candidate for minimally invasive surgery.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Canada1 site
  • McMaster University / St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

    Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 4A6

Other trials in Canada

About this study

Official title: Robotic Lobectomy vs. Thoracoscopic Lobectomy for Early Stage Lung Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

During video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATS), the surgeon inserts a small camera attached to a thoracoscope that puts the image onto a video screen. Instruments are inserted via small incisions, and the lung resection is completed. Robotic thoracic surgery (RTS) uses a similar minimally invasive approach, but the very precise instruments involved with RTS allow the surgeon to view the lung using 3-dimensional imaging. The instruments give the surgeons increased range of motion during the surgery, and research demonstrates that RTS has a less steep learning curve as compared to VATS. Both VATS and RTS demonstrated better results as compared to traditional thoracotomy (open surgery). However, Robotic lobectomy has not yet been compared directly to video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATS) in a prospective manner.

There are two major barriers against the widespread adoption of robotic thoracic surgery. The first barrier is the lack of high-quality prospective data. To our knowledge, there are no prospective trials comparing VATS to RTS for early stage lung cancer. The second major barrier to the widespread adoption of robotic technology in thoracic surgery is the perceived higher cost of Robotic lobectomy. To address these barriers, the investigators will undertake the first randomized controlled trial comparing Thoracoscopic Lobectomy to Robotic Lobectomy for early stage lung cancer.

Prospective randomization will eliminate the biases of retrospective data and will serve to determine whether there exist any advantages to Health Related Quality of life (HRQOL) or patient outcomes in favour of Robotic Lobectomy over VATS Lobectomy. Furthermore, through a prospective cost-utility analysis, this trial will provide the highest quality data to evaluate the true economic impact of robotic technology in thoracic surgery in a Canadian health system.

Being tested
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, Robotic thoracic surgery
Medical subject headings
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeryProcedure or surgery

    patients randomized to this arm will receive video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)

  • Robotic thoracic surgeryProcedure or surgery

    patients randomized to this arm will receive robotic thoracic surgery (RTS) with the da Vinci Robot

Study groups in NCT02617186
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Thoracoscopic LobectomyActive comparatorNot described
Receives: Procedure: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Robotic LobectomyActive comparatorNot described
Receives: Procedure: Robotic thoracic surgery

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Difference in HRQOL scores at week 12 between the treatment groups

    Difference in HRQOL scores between the treatment groups, as measured by the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire at week 12.

    Measured: 12 weeks post-surgery

Secondary outcomes (21)
  1. Short-term clinical outcome differences

    Clinical staging will be determined from diagnostic imaging reports

    Measured: 3 weeks post-surgery

  2. Short-term clinical outcome differences

    Pathological staging will be determined from pathology report

    Measured: 3 weeks post-surgery

  3. Short-term clinical outcome differences

    Number of lymph nodes sampled

    Measured: 3 weeks post-surgery

  4. Short-term clinical outcome differences

    Admission date

    Measured: 3 weeks post-surgery

  5. Short-term clinical outcome differences

    Date of surgery

    Measured: 3 weeks post-surgery

  6. Short-term clinical outcome differences

    Discharge date

    Measured: 3 weeks post-surgery

  7. Short-term clinical outcome differences

    Chest tube removal date

    Measured: 3 weeks post-surgery

  8. Short-term clinical outcome differences

    Intraoperative blood loss

    Measured: 3 weeks post-surgery

  9. Short-term clinical outcome differences

    Post-operative analgesia will be determined from list of prescribed pain medications

    Measured: 3 weeks post-surgery

  10. Short-term clinical outcome differences

    Post-surgical pain will be determined from the Numeric Pain Rating Scale

    Measured: 3 weeks post-surgery

  11. Resource utilization

    Operating room time

    Measured: 1 year post-surgery

  12. Resource utilization

    Operating room staff

    Measured: 1 year post-surgery

  13. Resource utilization

    Surgical instruments and consumables

    Measured: 1 year post-surgery

  14. Resource utilization

    Admission to critical care beds

    Measured: 1 year post-surgery

  15. Resource utilization

    Hospital length of stay

    Measured: 1 year post-surgery

  16. Resource utilization

    Duration of intravenous analgesia

    Measured: 1 year post-surgery

  17. Resource utilization

    Postoperative complications

    Measured: 1 year post-surgery

  18. Resource utilization

    Costs associated with chronic post-surgical pain up to one year after surgery.

    Measured: 1 year post-surgery

  19. Cost Effectiveness

    The incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained will be calculated to assess cost effectiveness.

    Measured: 5 years post-surgery

  20. Difference in HRQOL scores between the treatment groups

    Difference in HRQOL scores between the treatment groups, as measured by the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire at weeks 3 and 7; months 6, 12, 18, 24; and years 3, 4, and 5, which coincide with the intervals of oncological surveillance.

    Measured: 3, 7 weeks post-surgery; 6 months post-surgery; 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5 years post-surgery

  21. Difference in 5-year survival rate between the two groups

    Difference in 5-year survival rate between the two groups.

    Measured: 5 years post-surgery

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted30 Nov 2015 (estimated)
  2. Study startJan 2016
  3. Primary completionSep 2021
  4. Study completionSep 2031 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
446 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02617186
Sponsor's protocol ID
BFCRS-RP-003-1508-31
Status last verified
Sep 2025
First submitted
22 Sep 2015
Last updated
12 Sep 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Grogan EL, Jones DR. VATS lobectomy is better than open thoracotomy: what is the evidence for short-term outcomes? Thorac Surg Clin. 2008 Aug;18(3):249-58. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2008.04.007.

    PubMed 18831499
  • Onaitis MW, Petersen RP, Balderson SS, et al. Thoracoscopic Lobectomy Is a Safe and Versatile Procedure. Transactions of the Meeting of the American Surgical Association. 2006;124:86-91. doi:10.1097/01.sla.0000234892.79056.63.

  • Veronesi G. Robotic thoracic surgery: technical considerations and learning curve for pulmonary resection. Thorac Surg Clin. 2014 May;24(2):135-41, v. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2014.02.009.

    PubMed 24780416
  • Nasir BS, Bryant AS, Minnich DJ, Wei B, Cerfolio RJ. Performing robotic lobectomy and segmentectomy: cost, profitability, and outcomes. Ann Thorac Surg. 2014 Jul;98(1):203-8; discussion 208-9. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2014.02.051. Epub 2014 May 1.

    PubMed 24793685
  • Park BJ, Melfi F, Mussi A, Maisonneuve P, Spaggiari L, Da Silva RK, Veronesi G. Robotic lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): long-term oncologic results. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2012 Feb;143(2):383-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2011.10.055. Epub 2011 Nov 20.

    PubMed 22104677
  • Wei B, D'Amico TA. Thoracoscopic versus robotic approaches: advantages and disadvantages. Thorac Surg Clin. 2014 May;24(2):177-88, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2014.02.001.

    PubMed 24780422
  • Louie BE, Farivar AS, Aye RW, Vallieres E. Early experience with robotic lung resection results in similar operative outcomes and morbidity when compared with matched video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery cases. Ann Thorac Surg. 2012 May;93(5):1598-604; discussion 1604-5. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2012.01.067. Epub 2012 Mar 20.

    PubMed 22440364
  • Kent M, Wang T, Whyte R, Curran T, Flores R, Gangadharan S. Open, video-assisted thoracic surgery, and robotic lobectomy: review of a national database. Ann Thorac Surg. 2014 Jan;97(1):236-42; discussion 242-4. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2013.07.117. Epub 2013 Oct 1.

    PubMed 24090577
  • Paul S, Jalbert J, Isaacs AJ, Altorki NK, Isom OW, Sedrakyan A. Comparative effectiveness of robotic-assisted vs thoracoscopic lobectomy. Chest. 2014 Dec;146(6):1505-1512. doi: 10.1378/chest.13-3032.

    PubMed 24810546
  • Hanna, WC., Fahim, C., Patel, P., Shargall, Y., Waddell TK., Yasufuku, K. (2015). Robotic Pulmonary Resection for Lung Cancer: The First Canadian Series. Abstract Accepted for podium presentation at Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons (CATS) 18th Annual Meeting, September 17-20, Quebec, QC.

  • Merritt RE, Hoang CD, Shrager JB. Lymph node evaluation achieved by open lobectomy compared with thoracoscopic lobectomy for N0 lung cancer. Ann Thorac Surg. 2013 Oct;96(4):1171-1177. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2013.05.044. Epub 2013 Jul 31.

    PubMed 23915591
  • D'Amico TA, Niland J, Mamet R, Zornosa C, Dexter EU, Onaitis MW. Efficacy of mediastinal lymph node dissection during lobectomy for lung cancer by thoracoscopy and thoracotomy. Ann Thorac Surg. 2011 Jul;92(1):226-31; discussion 231-2. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.03.134.

    PubMed 21718849
  • Research Electronic Data Capture (RedCap). http://www.project-redcap.org

  • Cerfolio RJ. Total port approach for robotic lobectomy. Thorac Surg Clin. 2014 May;24(2):151-6, v. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2014.02.006.

    PubMed 24780418
  • EuroQol Group. EuroQol--a new facility for the measurement of health-related quality of life. Health Policy. 1990 Dec;16(3):199-208. doi: 10.1016/0168-8510(90)90421-9.

    PubMed 10109801

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and Robotic thoracic surgery in people with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Thoracic Surgery, run by St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton at 1 site in Canada.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Difference in HRQOL scores at week 12 between the treatment groups (time frame: 12 weeks post-surgery). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02617186, which also lists 21 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Sep 2025.

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