Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Transcriptional Responses as an Indicator of Individualised Responses to Radiation Effects (RTGene 2)

This study, called RTGene 2, is looking for volunteers who are having radiotherapy for various cancers, including breast, lung, and head and neck tumours. We want to understand how radiotherapy affects certain genes in people's blood. By taking small blood samples before and during your treatment, researchers hope to find specific genetic changes that show how your body reacts to radiation. This could help doctors understand why some people respond differently to radiotherapy and may, in the future, allow for more personalised treatment plans. Ultimately, this research aims to find a reliable genetic test that could help improve cancer care.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Institute of Cancer Research, United Kingdom

Enrolment target

Start

09 May 2019

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Cancer

What is this study about?

Imagine two people receiving the same cancer treatment, but one gets better results or fewer side effects than the other. Scientists think that part of the reason for these differences might be found in our genes. This study, called RTGene 2, aims to explore just that. When you have radiotherapy for cancer, the radiation affects your body's cells, and this can lead to changes in certain genes. Researchers want to identify which specific genes change and how they change in response to different levels of radiation. This information could help us understand how each person’s body reacts to radiotherapy.

To do this, the study will collect small blood samples from patients with different types of cancer (like breast, lung, stomach, or head and neck cancers) who are already having radiotherapy. These samples will be taken before your treatment starts and at different points during your radiotherapy sessions. Researchers will then look very closely at the genes in these blood samples. They are particularly interested in genes that are known to respond to radiation, as well as genes involved in your body's defence systems.

The main goal is to find a clear 'pattern' of gene changes that reliably tells us how an individual person is responding to radiotherapy. If they can find such a pattern, it could lead to exciting future possibilities. For example, doctors might one day be able to use a simple blood test to predict how well someone will respond to radiotherapy or if they might be more likely to experience side effects. This would allow them to tailor treatment plans more precisely to each person, making radiotherapy even more effective and safer.

Key takeaways

Researchers are studying how genes respond to radiotherapy in cancer patients.
The aim is to find a way to personalise radiotherapy treatment in the future.
Participation involves giving blood samples before and during your radiotherapy.
Your current cancer treatment will not be changed by taking part.
Results could help doctors understand individual responses to radiation better.
The study is taking place at The Royal Marsden.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You must also be receiving external beam radiotherapy for certain types of cancer. This includes cancers of the breast, lung, gut (gastrointestinal), head and neck, or reproductive and urinary systems (genitourinary). Your radiotherapy treatment should be planned for at least two weeks.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. If you have had radiotherapy before, or if you are currently having or have recently finished certain other cancer treatments like chemotherapy, biological therapy (within the last 4 weeks), or hormone therapy (within the last 4 weeks), then you won't be able to take part. This is to make sure the study results are as clear and accurate as possible, as these other treatments could affect the gene changes being studied.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having external beam radiotherapy for cancer (like breast, lung, gut, head & neck, or genitourinary)?
Is your radiotherapy treatment planned for at least two weeks?
Have you NOT had radiotherapy before?
Are you NOT currently having or recently finished (last 4 weeks) chemotherapy, biological therapy, or hormone therapy?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to provide some small blood samples. These samples will be taken at The Royal Marsden Hospital. You will have a blood sample taken before your radiotherapy treatment begins, and then further samples will be taken at regular points during your radiotherapy sessions. The process involves a standard blood draw, similar to what you might have for other hospital tests. In total, you'll be giving blood samples several times over the course of your radiotherapy treatment. There are no extra hospital visits required beyond your planned radiotherapy appointments. The duration of your participation will be for the period of your radiotherapy treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly change your cancer treatment, but it could help improve radiotherapy for future patients by providing a better understanding of how people respond to it. The main benefit is contributing to medical knowledge. The risks are minimal and are generally associated with blood draws, such as a small bruise, slight discomfort, or very rarely, an infection. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Sutton, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to find out how radiotherapy affects genes in your blood to better understand how each person responds to treatment.

Do I need to take any new medication if I join?

No, you will not need to take any new medication as part of this study. It only involves blood samples.

Will this study change my cancer treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not change the radiotherapy treatment you are already receiving.

How many times will I give blood?

You will give blood before your radiotherapy starts and at several points during your treatment sessions.

What happens if I change my mind about taking part?

You can decide to leave the study at any time, and it will not affect your medical care.