Henry Ford Cancer Institute’s leading lung cancer research
At Henry Ford, our lung cancer research attempts to identify new treatments. We also want to determine when to use the latest approaches and when to combine them. In addition to new options for advanced lung cancer, we’re studying alternatives for people who have inoperable tumors or can’t have surgery.
Our current and recent clinical trials include:
- Testing new immunotherapies and targeted therapies and developing ways to tell who will respond well
- Removing immune cells from the cancer, growing them outside the body and replacing them after chemotherapy (we are one of a dozen centers doing so)
- Giving whole-brain radiation therapy for lung cancer that’s spread
- Pairing new and existing immunotherapies for people who don’t initially respond or stop responding
- Comparing types of surgery for lung cancer diagnosed early
- Using immunotherapy before surgery or radiation therapy
- Trying targeted radiation therapy for early-stage, inoperable cancer
How lung cancer clinical trials work
Lung cancer trials proceed through phases. First, we determine if the approach is safe. Then we evaluate if it’s effective and works better than existing options. Our thoracic cancer program includes all phases of clinical trials.
The goal of a clinical trial is to gain approval for a new treatment that will help as many people as possible. Participating in trials can give you early access to promising therapies. Assuming you’re eligible, joining a trial is voluntary and always your decision.
Clinical trials must follow strict guidelines set ahead of time and made clear to participants. They are approved and overseen by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), made up of doctors, scientists, statisticians and laypeople. The board ensures a reasonable balance between expected risk and benefit.
Participating in a lung cancer clinical trial
To ensure the safety of participants and the usefulness of collected data, eligibility guidelines vary from trial to trial. Not everyone qualifies for a particular clinical trial.
Your Henry Ford team works with you and your loved ones to determine if you might benefit from a clinical trial and wish to participate. Team members will explain the process further, including the potential risks and benefits.
