Vapor Ablation for Localized Cancer Lesions of the Lung – A Clinical Feasibility Treat-and-Resect Study (VAPORIZE)

This study is exploring a new way to treat small lung cancer tumours without traditional surgery, using a technique called thermal vapour ablation. In this approach, a thin tube called a bronchoscope is passed down the throat into the airway, and controlled bursts of steam are delivered directly to the tumour to destroy it. Because the procedure is done through the airways rather than through cuts in the chest, it has the potential to be much less invasive than surgery. To test how well the ablation works, participants receive the vapour treatment 2–4 days before their already-planned surgical tumour removal. This allows researchers to directly examine the treated tissue under a microscope and see how effectively the vapour destroyed the cancer cells. You may be eligible if you are 18 or older, have a small non-small cell lung cancer tumour (2 cm or less in diameter) or a metastatic lung tumour of similar size located in the outer third of the lung, and are already scheduled for surgical removal of that tumour. People with very reduced lung function, active heart disease, or certain other medical conditions are not eligible.