RDC Biomarker Study
The RDC Biomarker Study is looking for new and better ways to quickly find out if patients have cancer. Rapid Diagnostic Centres (RDCs) help people with common but vague symptoms, like weight loss or tiredness, that could be signs of cancer. Only about 1 in 10 patients at an RDC actually has cancer. This study wants to develop simple new tests, such as those using breath, blood, or saliva, to help RDC doctors tell more quickly who has cancer and what type it might be. It also aims to spot individuals who might be at a higher risk of developing cancer in the future, so they can be monitored or offered preventative screenings.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This important study is called the RDC Biomarker Study. It's all about improving how we detect cancer early, especially for people who have symptoms that are concerning but don't clearly point to a specific type of cancer. These patients often visit special places called Rapid Diagnostic Centres (RDCs), which act as a one-stop shop for quicker assessments. Many people who go to RDCs don't actually have cancer – in fact, only about 1 in 10 do. However, finding cancer early is key to successful treatment, and sometimes people at RDCs might be at a higher risk of cancer in the future, even if they don't have it now.
The main goal of this study is to find new, simpler tests that RDC doctors can use. Imagine a quick breath test, a blood test, or a saliva test that could help tell if someone has cancer or not. The researchers also hope these tests could help identify the type of cancer if it's present, or even tell doctors if someone has a higher risk of getting cancer later on. This could lead to people getting the right care, monitoring, or screenings sooner, which is a big step forward in cancer care.
To do this, the study will collect samples from 1000 patients at RDCs. They'll look at things like chemicals in breath, markers in blood, and genetic information in saliva. Don't worry, any personal details like your name or address won't be used to identify your samples; they'll use a special code. All of this information, alongside your routine health data, will help researchers develop these new, potentially life-saving tools. The study will continue to follow these patients for 12 months to see how these new tests perform over time.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to create new, simple tests (breath, blood, saliva) for quicker cancer diagnosis in RDCs.
- It also hopes to identify people at higher risk of cancer for future monitoring or screening.
- Participation involves providing samples and completing health questionnaires at your RDC appointments.
- No personal identifying information (like your name or address) will be linked to your samples or data.
- The study follows participants for 12 months and aims to develop tools for better cancer care in the future.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have been referred to a Rapid Diagnostic Centre (RDC) because doctors suspect they might have cancer, and they're undergoing tests for this.
However, you won't be able to join the study if you've had cancer treatment within the last five years, or if you currently have a confirmed diagnosis of active cancer. This study is specially designed for people who are in the process of being diagnosed, not for those already being treated or with a current cancer diagnosis.
It's also important that you are able to understand what the study involves and willingly agree to take part. If you're unsure if you meet these criteria, it's always best to chat with the study team or your doctor.
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?
- Have you been referred to a Rapid Diagnostic Centre (RDC) for suspected cancer?
- Have you not had cancer treatment in the last 5 years?
- Do you not currently have a confirmed diagnosis of active cancer?
- Are you willing and able to understand and agree to take part?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join the study, you'll first be given detailed information to read, and then you'll sign a form to show you understand and agree. At your first appointment at the RDC, you'll be asked to provide some samples. This will usually include blood and saliva samples, and for some people, a breath sample too. You'll also complete a health questionnaire.
In some cases, you might be asked to provide one or two additional samples at follow-up appointments if any samples couldn't be collected initially. The special code (like RDCRMH001) will be used to identify your samples and health information, keeping your personal details private. A trained member of the research team will collect all samples, and they'll also gather some routine health information, like your investigation results, without using your name or address.
The study aims to recruit 1000 patients, and once that number is reached, no new patients will join. After you've joined, you'll be followed up for 12 months from your starting date. Throughout this time, you'll continue to complete questionnaires asking about your health at each appointment, which your RDC doctors will review.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (10)
- Aneurin Bevan University Local Health BoardVerified postcodeAbergavenny, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Glan ClwydVerified postcodeBodelwyddan, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Harrogate and District NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeHarrogate, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeKingston, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Ysbyty GwyneddVerified postcodeLlandudno, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - Chelsea and WestminsterVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - West MiddlesexVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- North Middlesex University Hospital NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeMiddlesbrough, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeSalford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a Rapid Diagnostic Centre (RDC)?
RDCs are special clinics where you can go if you have symptoms that might be cancer, but doctors aren't sure. They help you get tested more quickly.
Will I find out my personal risk score from the saliva test?
The study aims to develop a 'polygenic risk score' for future use by doctors. It's not designed to provide individual patients with personal risk scores during the study.
Will the study tell me if I have cancer sooner?
Your doctors at the RDC will treat you as usual. This study is about developing new tests for the future, not for immediate results on your own diagnosis during the study period.
What happens to my samples?
Your samples will be given a unique code, sent to labs for testing, and used by researchers to develop new diagnostic tools. Your personal details will not be used with your samples.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Once you join, you will be followed up for 12 months. The study will stop recruiting new patients once 1000 people have joined.
How to find out more
Serwaa Lashley
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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