How do I find Lung Cancer clinical trials in the UK?

Use TrialConnect to search for actively recruiting Lung Cancer clinical trials across the UK. Our results come directly from ClinicalTrials.gov and include eligibility criteria, trial phase, and contact details for each study.

Am I eligible for a Lung Cancer clinical trial?

Eligibility depends on factors specific to your condition such as disease stage, prior treatments, biomarker status, age, and overall health. Each trial has inclusion and exclusion criteria. Use our Smart Matcher to find trials matched to your specific situation.

Are Lung Cancer clinical trials free to participate in?

Yes. All clinical trials in the UK are free to participate in. The NHS or the trial sponsor covers all medical costs. Some trials also reimburse travel expenses and offer compensation for your time, especially in early-phase studies.

Condition Guide

Lung Cancer Clinical Trials in the UK (2026)

26 May 2026 11 min read

150+

UK trials recruiting

40+

NHS cancer centres

12+

Biomarker categories

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with around 48,000 new cases each year. It is also one of the most rapidly evolving areas of oncology research, driven by advances in biomarker testing, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. This guide covers the main types of lung cancer trials currently recruiting in the UK and how to find ones that match your situation.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Trials

NSCLC accounts for around 85% of lung cancers and has seen the most dramatic advances in treatment. Trials are increasingly organised around specific genetic alterations:

EGFR-Mutant NSCLC

Trials testing third-generation TKIs (osimertinib combinations), EGFR-directed ADCs, and novel approaches for EGFR exon 20 insertions. Also studying resistance mechanisms after TKI progression.

ALK-Positive NSCLC

Next-generation ALK inhibitors being tested after alectinib or lorlatinib, plus trials for brain metastases (a common site of progression in ALK+ disease).

KRAS G12C-Mutant

Following the success of sotorasib and adagrasib, new trials test KRAS G12C inhibitors in combination with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and other targeted agents, including in the adjuvant setting.

PD-L1 High / Immunotherapy

First-line immunotherapy alone or combined with chemotherapy for PD-L1 high NSCLC. Trials also test neoadjuvant and adjuvant immunotherapy for resectable disease (following CheckMate 816 and KEYNOTE-671).

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Trials

SCLC is more aggressive but has seen important advances. Current UK trials include:

Immunotherapy combinations — Testing PD-L1 inhibitors with novel agents in extensive-stage SCLC
Antibody-drug conjugates — DLL3-targeted therapies (tarlatamab) showing promise in relapsed SCLC
PARP inhibitors — For SCLC patients with DNA damage repair deficiencies
Lurbinectedin combinations — Novel chemotherapy approaches after standard treatment

Key Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Trials

Biomarker testing is essential for matching to the right lung cancer trial. The main tests include:

Molecular profiling — Next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels testing for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, MET, RET, NTRK, KRAS, and HER2 alterations
PD-L1 expression — Determines immunotherapy eligibility (TPS score)
Tumour Mutational Burden (TMB) — May qualify for certain immunotherapy trials
PD-L1 combined with histology — Squamous vs. non-squamous NSCLC affects treatment options

Important: Ask your oncologist about comprehensive genomic profiling (sometimes called a molecular tumour board review). Many NHS trusts now offer panel testing, and it is often required for clinical trial eligibility. Our Smart Matcher lets you enter specific biomarkers to find targeted trials.

Trial Phases and What They Mean

Phase 1 — Early studies often testing novel targeted agents specific to a biomarker group. These may be available after standard options have been exhausted
Phase 2 — Assessing efficacy in a defined population (e.g. EGFR-mutant NSCLC after osimertinib)
Phase 3 — Practice-changing trials comparing new approaches to the current standard. Many UK patients access these through the NHS cancer network

UK Trial Locations for Lung Cancer

Major lung cancer trial centres in the UK include:

London — The Royal Marsden, UCLH, Guy's and St Thomas'
Manchester — The Christie, Wythenshawe Hospital
Glasgow — Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre
Southampton — University Hospital Southampton
Leeds — St James's University Hospital
Cambridge — Royal Papworth Hospital, Addenbrooke's
Edinburgh — Edinburgh Cancer Centre
Newcastle — Freeman Hospital, Northern Centre for Cancer Care

Am I Eligible?

Common eligibility criteria for lung cancer trials include:

Confirmed diagnosis with specific histology (NSCLC adenocarcinoma, squamous, or SCLC)
Documented biomarker status (e.g. EGFR mutation, ALK rearrangement, PD-L1 score)
Specific stage of disease (some trials are for Stage III only, others for Stage IV)
Number and type of prior treatments received
Performance status (ECOG 0-1 for most trials, some accept ECOG 2)
Measurable disease on imaging
Adequate organ function and blood counts

How to Get Started

The most effective way to find lung cancer trials is to search with your specific details. Our matching tool asks about your subtype, biomarkers, prior treatments, and location to show the most relevant studies.

Find Your Matching Trials

Answer a few questions about your lung cancer diagnosis and we'll match you to the most relevant actively recruiting trials near you.

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