TRAcking Thoracic Cancer Evolution Through Therapy (Rx) EVO
The TRACERx EVO study aims to understand how lung cancers (non-small cell and small cell types) and mesothelioma change over time and with different treatments. This is an observational study, meaning patients receive standard care, not experimental drugs. Researchers will collect various pieces of information, including medical history, treatment details, and samples like blood and tissue. This large collection of data will help scientists learn more about these diseases, hopefully leading to better ways to diagnose and treat them in the future. The study involves long-term follow-up to track how patients do over time.
At a glance
What is this study about?
TRACERx EVO is a large research study focused on understanding lung cancer (both common types, non-small cell and small cell) and a rarer type called pleural mesothelioma. The main goal is to track how these cancers develop and change when patients are receiving their usual treatments, and over time. It's like building a very detailed picture of each patient's cancer journey.
This isn't a study where you try new, experimental drugs. Instead, you'd receive the standard treatments your doctors recommend, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, just as you normally would. The researchers are interested in observing how your cancer responds to these existing treatments and how it might evolve. They will collect a lot of information, including details about your health, your specific type of cancer, and all your treatments.
Why does this matter? By collecting so much information and different kinds of samples (like blood and tissue) from many patients, scientists hope to find patterns that explain why some cancers respond well to treatment and others don't, or why some cancers come back. This knowledge is crucial for developing better ways to diagnose these cancers earlier, predict how they might behave, and eventually create more effective and personalised treatments for people in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study collects information to understand lung cancer and mesothelioma.
- You will receive standard medical care, not experimental treatments.
- Participation involves regular follow-up appointments and sample collection.
- Your contribution helps research for future patient treatments.
- You can stop participating at any time without affecting your care.
Who may be eligible?
To join the TRACERx EVO study, you need to be at least 18 years old and agree to regular follow-up and sample collection at a TRACERx EVO study site. You'll also need to give your written consent to participate.
The study is divided into different groups. One group is for people with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are going to have surgery. Another group includes people with more advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that can't be removed by surgery, or cancer that has spread. Finally, there's a group for anyone with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) or pleural mesothelioma, regardless of how advanced it is.
For everyone, it's important that you are generally well enough to receive your planned cancer treatment and have suitable tissue samples available from your cancer for the researchers to study. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you meet all the specific requirements.
- Are you at least 18 years old?
- Are you able to attend regular follow-up visits?
- Are you willing to provide samples like blood and tissue?
- Do you have non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, or pleural mesothelioma?
- Are you well enough for your planned cancer treatment?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in TRACERx EVO, you would continue to receive your usual cancer treatments as recommended by your care team. There are no new or experimental medications involved in this study. The main part of participating involves regular visits for about two years, typically every three months, and then every six months after that. During these visits, the study team will collect information about your health and your treatments.
They will also ask to collect various samples, such as blood, tissue (if you're having surgery or biopsies), urine, saliva, and stool. These samples help researchers understand your cancer at a very detailed level. Your medical records will also be used to gather additional health information. The total duration of your participation will depend on how long the study needs to track your progress, but it involves long-term follow-up.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of treatments will I receive in this study?
You will receive the standard treatments for your cancer that your doctors recommend, just as you would if you weren't in the study. There are no experimental treatments here.
Do I have to give extra blood samples?
Yes, you will be asked to provide extra blood samples, and potentially urine, saliva, and stool samples, in addition to samples collected for your regular care.
How often will I need to visit the hospital for the study?
For the first two years, you'll have study visits about every three months, and then every six months after that for long-term follow-up.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, and it will not affect the medical care you receive.
Will my personal information be kept private?
Yes, all your collected data and samples will be handled with strict confidentiality to protect your privacy.
How to find out more
Zainab Kalokoh
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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