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Lung Cancer Clinical Trials: EGFR, ALK, KRAS | TrialFinder
HomeResourcesLung Cancer Clinical Trials: EGFR, ALK, KRAS, and Small-Cell vs Non-Small-Cell

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Published · September 18, 2026· Updated October 23, 2026

Lung Cancer Clinical Trials: EGFR, ALK, KRAS, and Small-Cell vs Non-Small-Cell

Lung cancer trials are usually designed for either non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Within those groups, the stage, previous treatments and, especially in NSCLC, biomarker results such as EGFR, ALK and KRAS help determine which studies may fit. Start with the exact diagnosis and test results on the pathology report.

The two main groups are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the large majority. It includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other non-small cell types. SCLC is less common and is treated as a separate disease: it is staged differently and uses different regimens. Trial lists follow that split. A listing written for NSCLC is not interchangeable with one written for SCLC.

Stage describes how far the cancer has grown or spread. Many trials enroll only a stated range of stages, such as cancer that is still confined to the chest, or cancer that has already spread. The exact cutoffs are written into each protocol. Stage does not replace type or biomarker results; it is checked alongside them.

For NSCLC especially, molecular testing can look for changes such as EGFR, ALK, and KRAS. Other genes sometimes appear on a report, including ROS1 and BRAF. Some immunotherapy studies mention PD-L1. A trial may require one of these, exclude it, or not mention it. The exact variant matters.

Lung cancer treatment continues to change as targeted drugs, immunotherapies, and combinations are studied. A clinical trial is one option to raise with the treating oncologist. It is not automatically better than approved treatment. The useful question is whether a given study matches this type, stage, molecular profile, and treatment history.

NSCLC and SCLC are not interchangeable

The two main groups are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). They behave differently, are staged differently, and open different trial lists. A report that only says "lung cancer" is not enough to judge eligibility.

NSCLC is the more common group. It includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other non-small cell types. Many targeted-therapy trials sit in this group because they require a specific gene change.

SCLC is a separate disease. It tends to be treated with different regimens, and its trial lists are not interchangeable with NSCLC lists.

The plain-language clinical trial glossary can help with terms such as eligibility, phase, and standard of care.

Biomarkers that actually separate one trial from another

For NSCLC especially, molecular testing can look for changes such as EGFR, ALK, KRAS, and others. A trial may require one of these, exclude it, or not mention it at all.

The exact variant matters. An EGFR exon 19 deletion is not the same question as an uncommon EGFR mutation. For that narrower topic, see osimertinib for uncommon EGFR mutations.

ALK rearrangements and KRAS changes, including substitutions such as KRAS G12C, also split protocols. Other genes can appear on a report, including ROS1 and BRAF. Immunotherapy studies may mention PD-L1. A PD-L1 result does not by itself say which studies fit.

Some of these changes have approved targeted treatments in defined settings. Those approvals depend on the exact variant, the stage, prior treatment, the test that was used, and the country where care is given. A labeled indication is not the same as limited evidence or an ongoing study.

What's new

After surgery for early-stage NSCLC, ask the oncologist whether the tumor was tested for EGFR exon 19 deletions or the exon 21 L858R mutation. These specific results, together with the stage and treatment history, help determine whether adjuvant osimertinib is appropriate. An EGFR-positive result alone does not establish eligibility.

The phase 3 ADAURA trial now has 8-year follow-up data, presented at WCLC 2026 and published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology. In resected stage II-IIIA EGFR-mutated NSCLC (Ex19del/L858R), 3 years of adjuvant osimertinib gave 8-year overall survival of 74% versus 58% with placebo, cutting the risk of death by 47% (HR 0.53). That confirms the long-term durability of an existing approved standard. It is not a new approval.

Recruiting lung cancer trials

Questions to ask an oncologist

A short list is usually enough:

  • Is this NSCLC or SCLC, and what is the stage?
  • What molecular tests were done, and what were the exact results (EGFR, ALK, KRAS, or others)?
  • Which treatments have already been used?
  • For this type, stage, and molecular profile, what is approved or considered standard where I live?
  • Are there recruiting trials that match this exact profile, and how do they differ from standard care?

Want to prepare for the appointment? The guide How to Talk to Your Doctor About Clinical Trials explains how to raise the topic and what to bring with you.

Sources

  • NCI: Lung cancer
  • NCI PDQ: Non-small cell lung cancer treatment
  • NCI PDQ: Small cell lung cancer treatment
  • NCI: Biomarker testing for cancer treatment
  • Journal of Thoracic Oncology: ADAURA 8-year overall survival update (presented at WCLC 2026)
  • Recruiting-trial facts on this page come from ClinicalTrials.gov and are shown through TrialFinder listings.

FAQ

What is lung cancer, in plain language?

Lung cancer is a disease that starts in the cells of the lung. It is not one disease. The type of lung cancer and molecular changes in the tumor usually decide which treatments are standard and which clinical trials may fit.

Why do NSCLC and SCLC matter for trials?

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) behave differently, are staged differently, and open different trial lists. A report that only says lung cancer is not enough to judge eligibility.

Which biomarkers separate lung cancer trials?

For NSCLC especially, protocols often name EGFR, ALK, KRAS, or other gene changes. The exact variant matters. EGFR exon 19 deletion is not the same question as an uncommon EGFR mutation. A trial may require a change, exclude it, or not mention it.

Do clinical trials replace approved lung cancer treatment?

No. A trial is one option to discuss with an oncologist. It is not automatically better than approved treatment. Approvals, availability, and what is considered standard depend on the exact diagnosis, stage, prior treatment, and country.

What should I ask an oncologist before looking at listings?

Ask for the type (NSCLC or SCLC) and stage, the exact molecular results, which treatments have already been used, what is approved or considered standard where you live, and whether any recruiting trial matches that profile.

In depth

  • Osimertinib for Uncommon EGFR Mutations: What the Evidence Shows

    Osimertinib (Tagrisso) for uncommon EGFR mutations such as G719X, S768I, L861Q, and exon 20 insertions: what the evidence covers, plus active clinical trials.

Further reading

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Clinical Trials What questions should you ask your doctor about clinical trials? A step-by-step guide for patients: when to bring it up, what to prepare, and what to do after.

Key Clinical Trial Terms Plain-language explanations of terms patients and families encounter during the clinical trial process.

Start Here: How to Search for Clinical Trials on TrialFinder A step-by-step guide to finding clinical trials on TrialFinder. Learn how to search by condition, use filters, and understand your results.

Before You Join a Clinical Trial: Screening, Informed Consent, and Red Flags Learn what screening and informed consent involve before you join a clinical trial, which questions to ask, and which red flags mean you should walk away.

ESMO 2026: Four Results You Can Act On Today Four ESMO 2026 results in lung cancer and melanoma with steps you can take now, from biomarker testing to open clinical trials.

Osimertinib for Uncommon EGFR Mutations: What the Evidence Shows Osimertinib (Tagrisso) for uncommon EGFR mutations such as G719X, S768I, L861Q, and exon 20 insertions: what the evidence covers, plus active clinical trials.

Clinical Trials in Mental Health: What Patients and Families Should Know Mental health clinical trials may test medication, therapy, or devices. How they differ from cancer trials, and how to start looking.

The Reminder Moderna and Merck's Personalized mRNA Cancer Vaccine Gives Us About Clinical Trials Moderna and Merck's personalized mRNA vaccine met Phase 3 goals in melanoma. What that shows about joining a clinical trial.

Daraxonrasib (RASONQUE) Is Now FDA-Approved for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer The FDA approved daraxonrasib (RASONQUE) on August 26, 2026 for metastatic pancreatic cancer after prior therapy.

What is a Clinical Trial? (It's More Than You Think) How clinical trials work, why they matter, and what patients should know before considering one.

Not a Perfect Match? Tips for Getting Into a Clinical Trial Anyway A rejection from a clinical trial doesn't have to be the end. Practical tips for patients and caregivers who hit a wall.

How to Talk About Clinical Trials with a Family Member A guide for caregivers on introducing clinical trials to a loved one who is hesitant, tired, or afraid.

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This article was written by a patient advocate based on personal experience, not by a medical professional. It is not medical advice. Consult your doctor before making any medical decisions.

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Trial data from ClinicalTrials.gov. For information only.

This list is limited to recruiting studies whose title or listed conditions name lung cancer, NSCLC, or SCLC. A biomarker heading appears only when that biomarker is named in those same fields. Stage is not used as a heading, because it is often missing there.

Histology

Disease stage

Biomarker

Treatment setting

Loading matching clinical trials

Trials whose title or listed conditions name SCLC

  • Niraparib Added to Anti-PD-L1 Antibody Maintenance in SLFN11-positive, Extensive-disease SCLC

    SCLC,Extensive Stage · SLFN11-positive

    5 countriesRecruitingPhase 2
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Angers, France · Avignon, France

  • Anlotinib Plus Whole-Brain Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases in SCLC Patients.

    Whole-Brain Radiotherapy

    ChinaRecruitingPhase 3
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Beijing, China

  • A Real-World Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Adebrelimab in Patients With Advanced SCLC

    Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

    ChinaRecruiting
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Shanghai, China

  • A Phase I Study to Evaluate the Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of [225Ac]Ac-DOTATATE Injection Combined With Tislelizumab in the Maintenance Treatment Period for Patients of Extensive-stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC) With Somatostatin Receptors (SSTR)+ as First-line Treatment

    SCLC, Extensive Stage

    ChinaRecruitingPhase 1
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Beijing, China

  • 7T Brain MRI Scan for Micro-brain Metastasis (microBM) Detection for Patients With Small-cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Who Decline Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI)

    Small-cell Lung Cancer · Brain Metastases

    United StatesRecruiting
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Columbia, United States

Trials whose title or listed conditions name EGFR

  • A Study of Neoadjuvant Amivantamab With Either Lazertinib or Chemotherapy in Participants With Resectable EGFR-Mutated NSCLC

    Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung

    6 countriesRecruitingPhase 2
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Duarte, United States · Irvine, United States

  • Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Firmonertinib Compared With Investigator's Choice of EGFR Inhibitor as First-Line Treatment in Participants Who Have Locally Advanced or Metastatic NSCLC With EGFR P-Loop and Alpha C-Helix Compressing (PACC) Uncommon Mutations

    Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer · Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer · Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

    17 countriesRecruitingPhase 3
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Fullerton, United States · Los Angeles, United States

  • Adjuvant EGFR-TKI Therapy After Surgery for EGFR-Mutant High-Risk Stage IA2-IIB NSCLC

    Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    ChinaRecruiting
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Wuhan, China

  • Firmonertinib Versus Platinum Based Chemotherapy as First-line Treatment for NSCLC With EGFR PACC or EGFR l861q Mutation

    EGFR · NSCLC (Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer)

    ChinaRecruitingPhase 3
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Beijing, China · Shandong, China

  • Dual-Target CAR-NK Cells Targeting MSLN, EGFR, or HER2 in Advanced NSCLC

    Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer · Advanced/Metastatic

    ChinaRecruitingPhase 1/2
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Shenzhen, China

  • A Phase II Study of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan in Combination With Furmonertinib in Patients With Non-squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Who Have Progressed After EGFR-TKI and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy

    NSCLC Stage IV · EGFR Gene Mutation

    ChinaRecruitingPhase 2
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Tianjin, China

  • Osimertinib for Advanced EGFR-positive NSCLC Patients

    EGFR Positive Non-small Cell Lung Cancer · Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

    SingaporeRecruiting
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Singapore, Singapore

  • A Study of the Oral EGFR Inhibitor PLB1004 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    United StatesRecruitingPhase 1
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Sacramento, United States · Louisville, United States

  • Association Between RVT and Prognosis After Neoadjuvant Targeted Therapy in EGFR NSCLC

    Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

    ChinaRecruiting
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Guangzhou, China

  • Sunvozertinib Plus Anlotinib as 1L Treatment in EGFR-Sensitive Mutations Combined With Co-Mutations Advanced NSCLC

    Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    ChinaRecruitingPhase 2
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Changsha, China

  • Neoadjuvant Targeted Therapy in Patients With Resectable EGFR-mutated Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    Lung Cancer · Carcinoma, Squamous Cell

    ChinaRecruitingPhase 2
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Guangzhou, China

  • Phase III Study of TY-9591 in Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (FLETEO)

    NSCLC · EGFR Activating Mutation

    ChinaRecruitingPhase 3
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Changsha, China · Shanghai, China

Trials whose title or listed conditions name ROS1

  • A Study of XZP-5955 Tablets in Patients With NTRK or ROS1 Fusion Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors

    Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors · Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

    ChinaRecruitingPhase 1/2
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Beijing, China

Trials whose title or listed conditions name NSCLC

  • Study of INBRX-106 and INBRX-106 in Combination With Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) in Subjects With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors (Hexavalent OX40 Agonist)

    Solid Tumor · Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer · Head and Neck Cancer

    4 countriesRecruitingPhase 1/2
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Duarte, United States · Glendale, United States

  • A Prospective ,Multicenter ,Non-interventional ,Real-world Study Observing Changes in Molecular Markers Osimertinib Targeted Therapy in EGFRm NSCLC

    Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

    ChinaRecruiting
    Simple summary·Eligibility check·Doctor guide
    Beijing, China

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