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Thoracic (Chest) Surgery
Clinical Research Trials
The following three clinical research trials are offered through the Thoracic (Chest) Surgery program. Participating in a clinical research trial is an informative learning experience for the volunteer. Please consider volunteering in a clinical research trial as your participation will contribute to important advancements of medical knowledge.
1. Name of Research Trial: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) E2202/CALGB 140302 Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (MIE): A Multicenter Feasibility Study
Principal Investigator: Alberto L. de Hoyos, MD
IRB Project Number: 2258-001
Brief Summary of Research:
- Who Qualifies: Patients with esophageal cancer or high grade dysplasia that are undergoing partial removal of the esophagus.
- Removal of the esophagus (or esophagectomy) is a major operation that can have significant complications. A few hospitals are now performing an operation called minimally invasive esophagectomy or MIE. This is partial removal of the esophagus using small incisions with cameras and special instruments to work inside the body rather than using big incisions that allows a surgeon to place his hands inside the body.
- This study is being performed to assess whether MIE can be performed with equal or hopefully less risk of dying compared to standard esophagectomy using traditional larger incision.
- Every 3 months for the first year and every 6 months for years 2-3, participants are asked to answer questions on their ability to swallow food before and after operation. Participants are followed for three years to look at the long-term effects of the study.
Contact Information: For more information, interested participants and clinicians may contact Susan Fore-Kosterski, RN at (312) 926-7577 or
e-mail at skosters@nmh.org
2. Name of Research Trial: ACOSOG Z4032 A Randomized Phase III Study of Sublobar Resection versus Sublobar Resection plus Brachytherapy in High Risk Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), 3 cm or Smaller
Principal Investigators: Matthew G. Blum, MD and Alberto L. de Hoyos, MD
IRB Project Number: 1220-004
Brief Summary of Research:
- Who Qualifies: Patients diagnosed with lung cancer who will be having surgery to remove the tumor and who also have poor lung function.
- The purpose of this study is to compare the results of sublobar resection (removal of a small portion of a lung) with sublobar resection and brachytherapy (radiation treatment given by placing radioactive material directly on or near the site in the lung where the tumor is removed) to determine which of these two treatments is better.
- There have been some early studies that have indicated that brachytherapy is safe after operation for lung cancer and may help to prevent the cancer returning to the lung.
- Your part in this study will last for 5 years and will involve 10 visits.
Contact Information: For more information, interested participants and clinicians may contact Susan Fore-Kosterski, RN at (312) 926-7577 or
e-mail at skosters@nmh.org
3. Name of Research Trial: 109493 A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase III study to assess the efficacy of recMAGE-A3 + AS15 Antigen Specific Cancer Immunotherapeutic as adjuvant therapy in patients with resectable MAGE-A3-positive Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Principal Investigator: Matthew G. Blum, MD
IRB Project Number: 1220-010
Brief Summary of Research:
- Who Qualifies: Patients that have surgical removal of a Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, and have previously consented for their cancerous tumor tissue to be tested for the production of a protein called MAGE-A3. The tissue must test positive for the production of this protein.
- This research study is being conducted to test an investigational product called MAGE-A3 ASCI (Antigen Specific Cancer Immunotherapeutic), to see if it may prevent the return of the cancer after surgical removal of the tumor, and if it does, to measure its effect accurately.
- The way in which the investigational product works is based upon an immunization, teaching your own body's or immune system to recognize and fight the cancer in the same way that it recognizes and fights germs or infections. The injections are similar to getting immunized, except they are given at closer intervals. It is hoped this will help the body recognize the protein and destroy the cells in it, thereby delaying or preventing recurrence of this type of cancer.
- If you meet all study requirements, and your tumor tests positive for the MAGE-A3 protein, you will be randomized. Because this study is placebo-controlled (contains no active product), neither you nor your doctor will know whether you are receiving the ASCI (investigational product) injections or the placebo
- During the treatment phase you will receive a maximum of thirteen administrations of the ASCI or placebo. The vaccine is administered by injection into the upper thigh or deltoid (upper arm). Participants are required to come into the clinic for each of these visits. Clinic visits will include a physical examination. You will also be asked if you experienced any changes in how you feel since the last visit, if there were any hospital stays, or if any new medications were prescribed since the last administration of the vaccine. At certain visits, you may need to have blood work. After the treatment phase is complete, there will be follow-up visits every six months, for a maximum of five years after the first study treatment administration.
Contact Information: For more information, interested participants and clinicians may contact Susan Fore-Kosterski, RN at (312) 926-7577 or
e-mail at skosters@nmh.org
For more information regarding lung cancer clinical research trials, please visit the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
Thoracic (Chest) Surgery Contact Information
For more information regarding Thoracic (Chest) Surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, call (312) 695-3800 or (877) 926-4664, or request an appointment online.
Visit the Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Health Learning Center and Alberto Culver Women's Health Learning Center. These state-of-the-art health information libraries are among the largest hospital-based learning facilities of their kind. For more information call (312) 926-5465.
Review Date: 06/08
