RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Oxford Risk Factors And Non-Invasive Imaging Study

The Oxford Risk Factors And Non-Invasive Imaging Study (ORFAN) is looking into heart and blood vessel health. It aims to find new ways to spot and predict problems like heart disease and other health risks. To do this, researchers collect information from CT scans (these are special X-rays that create detailed pictures inside your body), along with blood samples and details about people's health over time. They will study this information to understand health patterns better. The goal is to develop and check new tools that can help doctors diagnose conditions earlier and understand who might be at higher risk. This could lead to better ways to keep people healthy and treat problems more effectively.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

250,000

Start

23 Feb 2016

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2030

Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiovascular Risk Factors

What is this study about?

The Oxford Risk Factors And Non-Invasive Imaging Study, or ORFAN for short, is looking at how we can better understand and predict heart and blood vessel problems, along with other related health risks. Doctors and researchers want to find new ways to spot these conditions early, even before symptoms appear. This study uses detailed CT scans of the chest, tummy, and pelvis, which are like advanced X-rays that give a clear view inside your body. By looking at these images alongside other health information, they hope to develop better tools and methods.

Imagine combining a detailed map of your body (from the CT scan) with information about your health history and blood tests. The ORFAN study does just this. It collects information from people who are already having a CT scan for other reasons. They also gather blood samples and track people's health over time. By putting all this data together, researchers can look for patterns and develop computer programmes that can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and predict who might be at higher risk of developing health issues.

The main goal is to improve how we identify people at risk of heart disease and other conditions. This research could lead to earlier detection, more personalised advice, and better treatments in the future, ultimately helping more people stay healthier for longer. It's about using modern technology to understand individual health better.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve how heart and blood vessel issues are found and predicted.
It uses existing CT scan information and health records, not extra tests.
Participation helps future medical understanding and patient care.
You must be aged 18-99 and able to give consent.
You can withdraw at any time without impacting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you generally need to be an adult between 18 and 99 years old. Whether you are male or female, you can be considered if you are willing and able to understand the study and agree to take part by signing a consent form.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have active cancer, you won't be able to participate. Also, if you’ve previously said you don’t want your health information used for research, then this study might not be suitable for you.

Quick self-check

Are you between 18 and 99 years old?
Are you willing and able to understand the study and agree to take part?
Do you currently have active cancer? (If yes, you likely can't join)
Have you previously opted out of your health data being used for research? (If yes, you likely can't join)

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study primarily involves allowing researchers to use information from CT scans you are already having. If you join, you would be asked to give your consent (permission) for the research team to collect and study details from your CT scans, along with some of your health information and possibly a blood sample. There aren't any extra visits or changes to your usual medical care specifically for this study. The researchers will simply gather data that is already being collected during your routine medical appointments. They will also follow your health over time, connecting past and future medical information to your CT scan data. This follow-up will typically involve reviewing your medical records rather than requiring you to attend extra appointments. The overall duration of your involvement could extend over many years as researchers track long-term health outcomes.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study involves minimal direct risks to you, as it primarily uses information from scans and tests you are already having. You won't undergo any extra procedures or receive new medications specifically for this study. There's no immediate personal benefit expected, but your contribution is very important for medical research. It helps scientists learn more about heart health and other diseases, potentially leading to better care for future patients. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (37)

NIH National Heart, Lunch, and Blood Institute
Bethesda, United States· Recruiting
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, United States· Not yet recruiting
Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute
Cleveland, United States· Recruiting
Flinders University
Adelaide, Australia· Not yet recruiting
The University of Sydney
Sydney, Australia· Not yet recruiting
University Hospitals Leuven
Leuven, Belgium· Not yet recruiting
Fudan University
Shanghai, China· Not yet recruiting
TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital
Tianjin, China· Not yet recruiting
Almaviva Sante - Clinique Axium
Aix-en-Provence, France· Not yet recruiting
Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurmberg
Erlangen, Germany· Recruiting
University Hospital Ulm
Ulm, Germany· Not yet recruiting
Lefkos Stavros Clinic
Athens, Greece· Recruiting

+25 more sites — see the official record for the full list.

Common questions

What is the ORFAN study looking for?

It's trying to find new ways to spot and predict heart and blood vessel problems and other health risks by looking at CT scans and health information.

Do I have to do anything extra if I join?

No, you don't need to do anything extra. The study uses information from tests and scans you are already having for your medical care.

Who can take part in this study?

Adults between 18 and 99 years old who are willing and able to give their permission to take part.

Will this study help me personally?

You won't get immediate personal benefits, but your participation is vital for research that could help many people in the future.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Kenneth Chan

kenneth.chan@cardiov.ox.ac.uk Official trial record

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