Your DNA might predict radiation side effects
NCT ID NCT02489084
First seen Aug 06, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at whether a person's genetic makeup can help predict which head and neck cancer patients will experience side effects from radiation therapy, such as difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and other complications. Researchers will collect blood samples from about 2000 patients to analyze genetic variations and see if they improve existing prediction models. The goal is to enable more personalized radiation treatment plans that minimize harm to healthy tissue.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Blood sampling for genetic analysis
- What this could lead to
- If genetic profiles improve prediction, doctors could tailor radiation plans to each patient, potentially reducing side effects like swallowing problems and dry mouth.
- What could go wrong
- The study is observational and exploratory, so it may not find reliable genetic links. Even if found, the models need validation before changing clinical practice.
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.
- Participants
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2,000 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
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Sep 2013
- Finished
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Jan 2026
- 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.
Who is studied
All patients ≥18 years still alive and treated since April 2007 for HNC at the department of Radiation Oncology of the UMCG, Groningen, the Netherlands
- 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.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Histological proven head and neck cancer * Primary site in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, and/or salivary glands * Treatment with curative intent with primary or postoperative radiotherapy either or not combined with systemic treatment * Northern European ethnicity (ethnicity is a known confounder in SNP association studies) * Willing and able to comply with the study prescriptions * 18 years or older * No prior radiation (in the head and neck area) * Patients must have sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language to understand the meaning of the study as described in the patient information * Have given written informed consent before patient registration Exclusion Criteria: * Prior radiotherapy
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
Locations
-
University Medical Center Groningen
Groningen, Provincie Groningen, 9700RB, Netherlands
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a dental assistant keep cancer Patients' mouths healthier during radiation?
- Why do Non-Smokers get head and neck cancer? scientists probe tumor DNA
- Re-irradiation plus cetuximab targets head and neck tumors that return
- Sharper tumor maps: PET scans could tighten radiation beams
- Five days of radiation instead of weeks: a new test for head and neck cancer
- Can an online program ease the burden on cancer caregivers?