Hair Isotope Analysis for Early Cancer Detection

NCT ID: NCT07006909

Last Updated: 2025-06-05

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Total Enrollment: 20 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-09-01
• Study Completion Date: 2030-05-30

Brief Summary

Cancer is a major health challenge, and early detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Research has shown that cancer can alter the way the body processes nutrients. This study aims to explore whether these metabolic changes can be detected through a simple, non-invasive method: analysing hair. Hair grows slowly over time, potentially capturing subtle metabolic changes that occur during cancer development. By studying the nitrogen stable isotope composition in hair samples donated by individuals diagnosed with cancer, we aim to identify potential early markers of the disease. Participants will be asked to donate a small strand of hair, which will be analysed using a laboratory technique called Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS). The findings from this study could contribute to new, non-invasive screening tools for early cancer detection.

Conditions

Cancer

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: COHORT
• Study Time Perspective: CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Cancer diagnosis, sufficient hair

Exclusion Criteria

-

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

University of Reading

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Gunter G C Kuhnle

Professor of Nutrition and Food Science

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

University of Reading

Reading, , United Kingdom

Countries

United Kingdom

Central Contacts

Gunter GC Kuhnle, Doctor rerum naturalium

Role: CONTACT

g.g.kuhnle@reading.ac.uk

+44 118 3787723

Other Identifiers

HI-CARE 01

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id