Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Hair Isotope Analysis for Early Cancer Detection

This research is trying to find new ways to spot cancer early, which is really important for getting the best treatment. We know that when someone has cancer, it can change how their body processes food and nutrients. This study wants to see if these changes can be seen in a simple hair sample. Hair grows slowly, so it might capture tiny changes that happen as cancer develops. We'll be looking at hair from people who have been diagnosed with cancer to see if we can find any special patterns. The aim is to help develop quick, easy tests in the future to find cancer earlier.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Reading

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 May 2030

Cancer

What is this study about?

When someone has cancer, it can change many things in their body, including how their body uses and processes the food and nutrients they eat. Scientists call this 'metabolic changes'. Detecting cancer early is really important because it often means that treatments are more effective and people have a better chance of recovery. Currently, many cancer detection methods involve more complex tests.

This study is exploring a very simple and gentle idea: can we spot these early metabolic changes by looking at a strand of hair? Hair grows over time and can act like a record of what's been happening in your body. We believe that the tiny changes in how your body handles nutrients when cancer is present might leave a mark in your hair.

To find this out, we are asking people who have already been diagnosed with cancer to donate a small sample of their hair. We will then use special laboratory equipment to analyse the hair. The information we gather could be a step towards developing new, simple, and non-invasive (meaning no needles or surgery) ways to find cancer even earlier in the future.

Key takeaways

The study aims to find new, simple ways to detect cancer early.
It investigates if cancer-related body changes can be seen in hair.
Participation involves donating a small, simple hair sample.
There are no known risks or side effects.
Your contribution could help improve future cancer detection methods.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you would need to be an adult, aged 18 or older, with no upper age limit. We are looking for both men and women to participate.

The main requirement for this study is that you have already received a diagnosis of cancer from a doctor.

You also need to have enough hair to provide a small sample for analysis. If you meet these conditions, you might be suitable for this research.

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 received a diagnosis of cancer?
Do you have enough hair to provide a small sample?
Are you able to provide informed consent for participation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it's very straightforward. All you would need to do is provide a small strand of your hair. There are no special preparations needed. You won't need to take any medication specifically for the study, and there are no hospital visits or follow-up appointments required. Once you've given your hair sample, your involvement in the study is complete, so the total duration of your active participation is very short, just the time it takes to provide the sample.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is contributing to important research that could lead to new, easier ways to detect cancer earlier. There are virtually no risks involved as you are simply providing a small, non-invasive hair sample. There are no known side effects from this process. You are completely free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any point without giving a reason, and this would not affect your medical care in any way.

Locations (1)

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

University of Reading
Verified postcode
Reading, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'non-invasive'?

Non-invasive means something that doesn't involve breaking the skin or going inside your body, like a blood test or surgery. Providing a hair sample is a non-invasive procedure.

How much hair do I need to provide?

You will only need to provide a small strand of hair, usually about the width of a pencil and a few centimetres long. It's a very tiny amount.

Will my sample be linked to my personal details?

No, your hair sample will be handled confidentially and usually given a code number, so your personal details will not be directly attached to the sample during analysis to protect your privacy.

Will I get my results from the hair analysis?

Because this is an early research study looking for patterns across many samples, individual results typically aren't available to participants. The aim is to gather general knowledge, not provide personal diagnoses.

What if I've had chemotherapy? Will that affect the hair sample?

This is a good question to ask the research team. They will be able to explain how previous treatments might be considered or if there are any specific guidelines regarding a history of treatment and hair sampling.

How to find out more

Gunter GC Kuhnle, Doctor rerum naturalium

g.g.kuhnle@reading.ac.uk +44 118 3787723 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.