Decoding DNA: can blood tests reveal who is most sensitive to radiation?
NCT ID NCT06253338
First seen Oct 20, 2026 · Last updated Oct 21, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers are studying whether genomic changes in blood cells can show how a person's body responds to high-dose radiotherapy. The trial enrolls 30 adults with thoracic or head and neck cancer who have not yet received treatment. By analyzing DNA from blood and skin samples before and during radiotherapy, the team aims to identify patterns that might predict radiation sensitivity and repair capacity. The goal is to improve radiation protection by tailoring treatment to individual biology.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- genomic analysis of blood cells before and during radiotherapy
- What this could lead to
- If researchers can link genomic signatures to radiation response, doctors might one day tailor radiotherapy doses to each person's DNA repair capacity, reducing side effects and improving safety.
- What could go wrong
- This small observational study cannot prove that genomic signatures predict outcomes. The findings may not generalize beyond the specific cancer types and treatment regimens studied.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2024
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2030
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: ECOG 0/1 no prior treatment no prior cancer diagnosis thoracic or head and neck cancer Exclusion Criteria: prior treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc.) prior cancer diagnosis
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Department for Radiotherapy, University Hospital Essen, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) West
RECRUITINGEssen, Germany / NRW, 45147, Germany
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