What biomarkers should I know before looking for lung cancer clinical trials?

The most critical biomarkers for lung cancer trial eligibility are: EGFR mutations (exon 19 deletion, L858R, exon 20 insertion), KRAS G12C, ALK fusion, ROS1 fusion, MET exon 14 skipping, RET fusion, BRAF V600E, and PD-L1 expression (TPS%). Ask your oncologist for comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) — panels like FoundationOne CDx or Tempus xT cover all of these.

I progressed on osimertinib (Tagrisso). What lung cancer clinical trials are available?

After osimertinib progression, active trial options include: MET amplification-targeting combinations (tepotinib, capmatinib + osimertinib), EGFR C797S resistance mutation trials, combined EGFR + MEK inhibitor studies, and immunotherapy combinations for patients with high PD-L1. Testing for MET amplification and acquired EGFR resistance mutations after progression is critical to identify which trials you qualify for.

Can I join a lung cancer clinical trial if I have already had chemotherapy?

Yes. Most Phase 2 and Phase 3 lung cancer trials are specifically designed for patients who have had prior chemotherapy or targeted therapy — these are called second-line or third-line trials. The key eligibility factors are: how many prior lines of treatment you have had, and whether you have received specific drugs the trial excludes (e.g., prior anti-PD-1 therapy may exclude some immunotherapy trials).

Does my cancer stage affect which lung cancer trials I can join?

Yes. Most actively recruiting lung cancer trials focus on Stage IIIB or Stage IV (advanced or metastatic) disease. Stage I and II patients may qualify for adjuvant therapy trials after surgery. Stage III patients may qualify for consolidation or locally-advanced trials. Always check the specific stage requirements in the eligibility criteria of each trial.

What documents do I need to apply for a lung cancer clinical trial?

You typically need: (1) Pathology report confirming your diagnosis and molecular profiling results (NGS panel), (2) Recent imaging reports (CT scan, PET scan) showing current disease extent, (3) Complete list of prior treatments with start/end dates and response, (4) ECOG performance status from your oncologist, (5) Recent blood work (CBC, metabolic panel, liver/kidney function). Alongside generates a document checklist specific to your matched trials.

How do I contact a lung cancer clinical trial coordinator?

Each trial on ClinicalTrials.gov lists a central contact phone number and email. When calling, you need to immediately communicate: your exact diagnosis (e.g., Stage IV NSCLC), your biomarker status (e.g., EGFR exon 19 deletion), and your treatment history (e.g., progressed on osimertinib). MyCancerTrialMatch provides a word-for-word phone script customized to your profile so you can make that first call confidently.

What are the key biomarkers for lung cancer trial matching?

The key biomarkers for lung cancer trial eligibility are: EGFR mutations (exon 19 deletions, L858R), ALK translocations, ROS1 rearrangement, BRAF V600E, PD-L1 expression level, Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB), and KRAS mutations (including G12C). For non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), molecular testing determines eligibility for targeted therapy vs. immunotherapy trials. Ask your oncologist for comprehensive genomic profiling (NGS) or at minimum EGFR and ALK testing.

I have EGFR-mutant lung cancer — what trials are available?

EGFR-mutant patients have the most trial options. First-line trials test newer EGFR inhibitors (afatinib, dacomitinib, osimertinib combinations). Progression trials address resistance mechanisms (T790M, C797S, brain metastases). EGFR exon 19 deletions and L858R are the most common; rarer mutations (20 insertions, G719X) have dedicated trials. Confirm your exact EGFR mutation type with your oncologist for proper trial matching.

I have ALK-positive lung cancer — are there trials after progression?

Yes. ALK-positive patients have multiple treatment options if they progress on first-line ALK inhibitors (crizotinib, ceritinib, alectinib, brigatinib). Trials exist for: next-generation ALK inhibitors (lorlatinib, ensartinib), ALK inhibitor + immunotherapy combinations, and brain metastasis-focused trials (ALK inhibitors penetrate the CNS better than chemotherapy). Confirm your ALK fusion variant if possible — some trials are specific to rearrangement subtypes.

What is PD-L1 expression and why does it matter for immunotherapy trials?

PD-L1 expression is measured as Tumor Proportion Score (TPS): high (≥50%), intermediate (1-49%), or low (<1%). High PD-L1 lung cancers respond better to PD-L1 inhibitors (pembrolizumab, atezolizumab) as single agents. Lower PD-L1 patients benefit more from chemotherapy + immunotherapy combinations. Many trials stratify patients by PD-L1 level, so getting this test is critical for finding appropriate trials, especially if you're not eligible for targeted therapy (EGFR, ALK, ROS1 wild-type).

I'm a never-smoker or light smoker with lung cancer — does that affect trial eligibility?

Yes. Never-smokers and light smokers with lung cancer (especially adenocarcinoma) are more likely to have EGFR mutations, meaning more targeted therapy trials are available. Some trials specifically enroll never-smoker populations to study different biology. Some are smoker-specific (investigating smoking-related comorbidities). Your smoking history helps oncologists predict which molecular tests to order and which trials to prioritize.

Can I join a lung cancer trial if I have brain metastases?

Sometimes. Many trials exclude patients with untreated brain metastases, but specific trials exist for brain-involved disease. Newer targeted therapies (ALK inhibitors, EGFR inhibitors, KRAS G12C inhibitors) penetrate the blood-brain barrier better than older drugs. Some immunotherapy trials allow stable brain mets. Discuss with your neuro-oncologist or radiation oncologist which trials permit your specific brain involvement.

Leukemia Clinical Trials 2025 — MyCancerTrialMatch

Name: Lung Cancer Clinical Trials 2025 — MyCancerTrialMatch
Creator: MyCancerTrialMatch
Published: 2026-05-08

Leukemia Clinical Trials

We surface trials from the U.S. National Library of Medicine with plain-English explanations of what each trial is actually testing. Whether you have newly diagnosed, relapsed, or treatment-resistant leukemia — knowing your options is the first step.

— Matching trials

— Currently recruiting

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Understanding leukemia trial markers

Leukemia is defined by cytogenetics, molecular mutations, and disease subtype that determine prognosis and trial eligibility. Your bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, and genetic testing results are essential for matching to the right trials.

Cytogenetics & FISH

Essential classification

Chromosomal abnormalities (t(9;22), t(15;17), complex karyotype) define AML risk groups and predict chemotherapy response. FISH testing identifies specific translocations that predict trial eligibility.

Learn more & find trials →

FLT3-ITD Mutation

~30% of AML

FLT3-ITD (internal tandem duplication) is adverse prognostic factor in AML. FLT3 inhibitors (midostaurin, sorafenib, crenolanib) are approved or in trials; ITD-positive status expands treatment options.

NPM1 & DNMT3A

~50-60% of AML

NPM1 and DNMT3A mutations without FLT3-ITD define favorable-risk AML. Venetoclax + azacitidine is standard for unfit patients. Trials test optimized combinations and durations.

Learn more & find trials →

Common questions about lung cancer trials

Acute Leukemia (AML, ALL): Rapid onset, immature blast cells (>20% in bone marrow). Requires immediate treatment. AML median age ~68 years; ALL more common in children but can occur in adults. Without treatment, acute leukemia is rapidly fatal.

Chronic Leukemia (CML, CLL): Slower onset, mature cells elevated. Often discovered incidentally. CML and CLL can be managed with observation initially if asymptomatic. CLL median age ~70 years; CML can occur at any age.

Treatment urgency: Acute leukemia requires immediate therapy (days to weeks). Chronic leukemia can be monitored initially; treatment started when disease progresses or becomes symptomatic.

Knowing your leukemia subtype (AML vs ALL vs CML vs CLL) is the foundation for trial matching.

FLT3-ITD (internal tandem duplication) is a mutation in the FLT3 gene found in ~30% of AML patients. This mutation predicts:

Negative prognostic impact: FLT3-ITD positive AML is higher-risk and has worse prognosis with chemotherapy alone. Without targeted therapy, outcomes are poor.

Targeted therapy options: FLT3 inhibitors (midostaurin, sorafenib, crenolanib) added to chemotherapy improve outcomes. FLT3-ITD positive patients should ALWAYS receive FLT3 inhibitor therapy as part of frontline treatment.

Clinical trial implications: If FLT3-ITD positive, you likely qualify for trials testing FLT3 inhibitor combinations with chemotherapy or other agents. Many trials are specifically designed for FLT3-ITD AML.

Ask your hematologist about your FLT3 status immediately — it significantly impacts treatment selection and trial eligibility.

Newly Diagnosed Leukemia: First presentation of leukemia, no prior chemotherapy. Treatment goal: achieve complete remission (CR) — normal bone marrow with <5% blasts. Many trials focus on optimized first-line chemotherapy or targeted combinations (venetoclax + azacitidine for older AML patients).

Relapsed Leukemia: Return of leukemia after prior chemotherapy-induced remission. Relapse can be early (<6 months from end of chemotherapy) or late (>12 months). Early relapse is chemotherapy-resistant and requires alternative approaches (venetoclax combinations, targeted therapy, CAR-T, allogenic transplant).

Refractory Leukemia: Never achieved remission with initial chemotherapy. Very poor prognosis; requires salvage regimens (high-dose cytarabine, venetoclax, hypomethylating agents, clinical trials testing novel combinations).

Your disease status (newly diagnosed vs relapsed/refractory) dramatically changes trial options. Be clear about your prior treatments and response when enrolling.

If you progressed or relapsed after initial chemotherapy:

For Early Relapse AML (<6 months from remission):

Venetoclax + hypomethylating agents (azacitidine or decitabine)
Salvage high-dose cytarabine
FLT3 inhibitors (if FLT3-mutant)
IDH inhibitors (if IDH1/IDH2 mutant)
Allogenic stem cell transplant
CAR-T therapy (if eligible)
Clinical trials testing novel combinations

For CML Resistance:

Switch to higher-potency TKI (dasatinib, nilotinib if on imatinib)
Check BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations (T315I is imatinib-resistant)
T315I-specific inhibitors (ponatinib)
Allogenic transplant for blast crisis

For CLL Progression:

BTK inhibitors (ibrutinib, venetoclax, acalabrutinib)
Venice clax + rituximab combinations
CAR-T therapy (approved for relapsed/refractory CLL)
Allogenic transplant for chemotherapy-refractory disease

Molecular testing at relapse/progression can identify actionable mutations. Early discussion with your hematologist-oncologist about salvage options and clinical trials is essential.

Upload your pathology report and treatment history to find matching trials →

Yes, cytogenetics and molecular testing are essential for leukemia trial eligibility:

Standard cytogenetics (karyotype): Performed on bone marrow aspirate at diagnosis. Identifies chromosomal abnormalities that define risk groups and guide treatment intensity.

FISH testing: Rapid identification of specific translocations (t(9;22) in CML, t(15;17) in APL). Critical for prognosis and treatment decision-making.

Molecular mutations (FLT3, NPM1, DNMT3A, TP53, IDH1/IDH2): Increasingly tested at diagnosis in AML. Define risk stratification and predict response to targeted therapy. Essential for trial matching.

BCR-ABL kinase domain sequencing (CML): If resistance to TKI develops, mutation testing identifies which next-generation TKI to use.

Flow cytometry: Identifies blast phenotype (myeloid vs lymphoid), maturity status, and immunophenotypic abnormalities that define leukemia subtype.

Ask your hematologist about comprehensive testing — many trials require specific molecular profiles.

Gather these key documents before calling a trial:

(1) Bone marrow report: Biopsy and aspirate showing blast percentage, morphology, and lineage (AML vs ALL vs CML vs CLL).

(2) Cytogenetics & FISH: Karyotype results and FISH panel results showing all chromosomal abnormalities and translocations.

(3) Molecular testing: FLT3-ITD status, NPM1, DNMT3A, TP53, IDH1/IDH2, and any other sequencing results available.

(4) Flow cytometry report: Immunophenotyping results confirming disease lineage and maturity.

(5) Prior treatment history: Dates and names of all prior chemotherapy, targeted therapy (TKIs for CML), stem cell transplant if done. Response to each (CR, PR, no response).

(6) Blood work & performance status: Recent CBC, liver/kidney function, and ECOG performance status (0-3) from your oncologist.

(7) Current disease status: Latest blast percentage, WBC count, and LDH level. Are you in remission? If relapsed, when did relapse occur?

MyCancerTrialMatch generates a checklist specific to your matched trials to keep you organized.

Understanding clinical trials

What is a Phase 1, 2, or 3 trial?

Phase 1 tests safety. Phase 2 tests whether the treatment works. Phase 3 compares the new treatment against the current standard. Most patients look for Phase 2 or 3 trials, where the treatment has shown early promise.

What is an inclusion/exclusion criteria?

Every trial has a checklist of who can and cannot join. These might include your cancer stage, specific gene mutations, prior treatments, age, and overall health. Meeting these is required — not optional.

Do I have to pay for a clinical trial?

No. The experimental treatment in a clinical trial is free. You may still have to pay for routine care like doctor visits, but the trial drug or procedure itself is covered by the sponsor.

What does "recruiting" mean?

Recruiting means the trial is actively looking for participants right now. "Not yet recruiting" means it's approved but hasn't started. "Active, not recruiting" means it's ongoing but has all the participants it needs.