Does breast cancer radiation harm a key immune gland? a study investigates
NCT ID NCT07725172
First seen Jul 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether radiation therapy for breast cancer affects the thymus, a small gland in the upper chest that helps produce immune cells. Researchers will collect blood samples from young women aged 18 to 50 who are receiving radiation after breast cancer surgery, as well as from those who are not. By measuring specific markers in the blood, they aim to see if the thymus is working differently after radiation exposure.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If radiation is found to harm the thymus, it could lead to strategies to protect immune function in young breast cancer patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study measuring biomarkers, not testing a treatment. It may not find a clear link, and results may not change clinical practice.
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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.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Duke Cancer Center
Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
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