Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The SUMMIT Study: A Cancer Screening Study

The SUMMIT study wants to make cancer screening better. It has two main goals. Firstly, it aims to check if a new blood test can reliably find several types of cancer at an early stage. Secondly, it will explore how to offer low-dose CT (LDCT) scans to people in North Central and East London who are at higher risk of lung cancer, usually due to their smoking history. Over 13,000 people will take part. If you do, you'll have a blood test, fill out a questionnaire, and have a lung scan. Some people will be asked to come back for follow-up visits. The study is important because finding cancers early can make a big difference to treatment outcomes.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

13,035

Start

08 Apr 2019

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2030

Cancer Lung Cancer

What is this study about?

The SUMMIT study is an important research project looking into new ways to spot cancer early. Doctors and researchers believe that finding cancer at an earlier stage can often lead to more successful treatments. This study has two main objectives to help achieve this goal.

First, the study wants to see how well a new blood test can detect different kinds of cancer at an early stage. If this blood test works well, it could become a simpler way to check for cancer in the future. Second, SUMMIT is setting up a special scanning service for people in North Central and East London who have a higher chance of getting lung cancer, mainly due to their smoking history. This involves using a low-dose CT scan, which is a type of X-ray that takes detailed pictures of your lungs.

By taking part, you would be helping researchers understand how to improve cancer screening for everyone. The study will follow about 13,000 people for a few years to gather all the information they need. It's about finding better and easier ways to catch cancer early, potentially saving lives.

Key takeaways

The study aims to find cancer earlier using new blood tests and lung scans.
It's for people aged 55-77 in North Central and East London with a past smoking history.
Participation involves a Lung Health Check, blood test, questionnaire, and a low-dose CT lung scan.
You'll usually have follow-up visits for two more years.
Finding cancer early can lead to better treatment options.
You can decide to leave the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

The SUMMIT study is looking for people aged between 55 and 77 years old. To be considered, you would usually need to have a history of smoking that puts you at a higher risk for lung cancer. This risk is calculated based on how much you've smoked and when you stopped, if you did.

Specifically, this includes if you've smoked a pack a day for 30 years (or an equivalent amount) and, if you've quit, it was within the last 15 years. There's also another way to qualify, which involves a specific calculation saying you have at least a 1.3% chance of developing lung cancer in the next six years.

It's also really important that you are able to understand what the study involves and are happy to agree to take part. However, if you are currently being treated for an active cancer (like chemotherapy or radiotherapy), you won't be able to join this study. If you're on hormone therapy for breast or prostate cancer, you might still be able to take part.

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 between 55 and 77 years old?
Do you live in North Central or East London?
Do you have a history of smoking that puts you at higher risk for lung cancer?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?
Are you currently NOT receiving treatment for an active cancer (e.g., chemotherapy)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are eligible and choose to take part, the first step is usually a 'Lung Health Check' at your GP practice. This is a short health check-up where you'll be asked about your breathing and general health, get some advice on stopping smoking if needed, and have basic measurements taken like your blood pressure, height, and weight. If you're suitable after this check, you'll be invited to join the SUMMIT study.

If you agree to join, you'll give permission electronically. Then, on the same day, you'll provide a blood sample, fill out a private online questionnaire about your health, and have a special low-dose CT scan of your lungs. Most participants will be asked to return for two more check-ups, one year apart. Sometimes, if the scan shows something that needs a closer look but isn't cancer, you might be asked for extra scans. If your scan shows something suspicious, you'll be referred to a hospital specialist very quickly for further checks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in the SUMMIT study could offer some benefits. You'll receive a detailed lung health check and a low-dose CT scan, which might help find lung cancer early if it's present. This early detection can often lead to better treatment outcomes. You will also be contributing to important research that could improve cancer screening for many people in the future. As with any medical procedure, there are some minor risks, such as a very small amount of radiation from the CT scan. The blood test has standard, very low risks like temporary bruising. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual healthcare.

Locations (1)

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

UCLH
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'low-dose CT scan'?

It's a special type of X-ray that takes detailed pictures of your lungs with a very small amount of radiation, helping doctors spot potential problems.

What is a 'Lung Health Check'?

It's a short appointment, often at your GP, to discuss your breathing health, offer smoking advice, and take some basic measurements like blood pressure.

How many times will I need to visit if I join?

After your first visit, most people will be asked to return for two more visits, one year apart. Some might need extra scans if something needs a closer look.

What happens if they find something on my scan?

If anything suspicious is seen on your scan, you will be quickly referred to a specialist at your local hospital for further checks and advice.

Will this study give me my usual medical care?

This study is for research, not meant to replace your normal medical care. However, any important health findings will be shared with you and your doctors.