240 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Platelet RNA-based Assay for Lung Cancer

(SPARC Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location
MR
Overseen ByMatthew Rondina, MD, MS
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new method for diagnosing lung cancer using a blood test that examines changes in platelet RNA, a type of genetic material. This platelet RNA-based assay aims to determine if the test can distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous lung nodules. The trial seeks individuals newly diagnosed with lung cancer or those with lung nodules requiring further testing. Participants must provide a blood sample for the study. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on assessing the test's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants an opportunity to contribute to early diagnostic advancements.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are currently receiving systemic therapy or radiation therapy for lung cancer, you would not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that this platelet RNA-based assay is safe for diagnosing lung cancer?

Research has shown that the platelet RNA-based test safely detects lung cancer. Earlier studies used this test to identify up to 18 different types of cancer with high accuracy. Importantly, participants in these studies generally tolerated the test well, experiencing few significant side effects.

The test requires only a small blood sample, a routine procedure with minimal risk. It has already shown promise in detecting lung cancer early and tracking the disease's progress. This suggests it is both a safe and effective tool for diagnosing cancer.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Platelet RNA-based assay for lung cancer because it offers a new way to detect and monitor the disease. Unlike traditional imaging and biopsy methods, this assay analyzes RNA from platelets in the blood, which is less invasive and can provide real-time insights into the cancer's progression. This approach could lead to earlier detection and more personalized treatment plans, improving outcomes for patients with lung cancer and lung nodules.

What evidence suggests that the platelet RNA-based assay is effective for diagnosing lung cancer?

Research has shown that tumor-educated platelets (TEPs), which exhibit altered RNA patterns due to tumor interaction, can aid in diagnosing lung cancer. This trial will use a Platelet RNA-based assay to investigate its diagnostic potential. One study found that TEPs could distinguish between lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, achieving accuracy scores of 0.791 and 0.826, respectively. Another study demonstrated that analyzing platelet RNA enabled a computer program to detect cancer in 64% of cases, with 99% accuracy in asymptomatic individuals. This indicates that examining RNA in platelets could be a promising method for identifying lung cancer and differentiating between benign and malignant lung nodules.26789

Who Is on the Research Team?

SP

Shiven Patel, MD/MBA

Principal Investigator

University of Utah

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 21 or older who have either been newly diagnosed with any type of lung cancer or have a lung nodule found on imaging and are scheduled for further testing or treatment. People can't join if they recently had major surgery, certain cancers, serious heart, liver, or kidney problems, recent blood transfusions, or are pregnant.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 21 years old or older.
I am 21 years old or older.
I have lung cancer or a lung nodule that needs further testing or treatment soon.

Exclusion Criteria

Unable to provide blood sample
I have been hospitalized or had surgery in the past 8 weeks.
Currently pregnant or have been pregnant within the last 12 weeks
See 14 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Sample Collection and Analysis

Participants with newly diagnosed lung cancer have platelet RNA samples collected from whole blood for validation analyses

1 day

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for assay performance and validation completion

1 day

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Platelet RNA-based assay

Trial Overview

The study is testing a new blood test that looks at RNA in platelets using AI to help diagnose lung cancer and tell the difference between harmless and cancerous lung nodules. Blood samples will be collected from participants to validate how well this test works.

How Is the Trial Designed?

3

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Cohort 3: Control Participants without Cancer or NoduleExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Cohort 2: Lung NoduleExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group III: Cohort 1: Lung CancerExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Utah

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,169
Recruited
1,623,000+

United States Department of Defense

Collaborator

Trials
940
Recruited
339,000+

Citations

Tumor-educated platelet RNA as a diagnostic biomarker for ...

The aim of this study was to integrate highly specific tumor-educated platelet (TEP)-derived biomarkers to optimize preoperative evaluation.

Tumor-educated platelet blood tests for Non-Small Cell ...

Tumor-educated platelets (TEPs) have emerged as a promising liquid biopsy biosource for the detection of various cancer types.

Tumor Educated Platelets as a Biomarker for Diagnosis ... - PMC

The study has found that SNORD55 RNA is effective in diagnosing Lung Adenocarcinoma and SCC, with an AUC of 0.791 and 0.826, respectively. The study also ...

Clinical utility and diagnostic value of tumor-educated ...

The review addresses the knowledge gap concerning the diagnostic value and clinical utility of tumor-educated platelets (TEPs) in adult patients with lung ...

Platelet RNA Biomarker: A New Avenue in Lung Disease ...

The algorithm achieved 99% specificity in asymptomatic individuals, detecting cancer in 64% of cases. Additionally, thromboSeq accurately ...

Tumor-educated platelet blood tests for Non-Small Cell Lung ...

Recently, we developed a TEP RNA-based blood test that enables the detection of 18 different cancer types with 99% of specificity, showing ...

Comprehensive circRNA profiling of platelets and ...

In the present study, by sequencing paired platelets and plasma exosomes from LUAD patients and controls, we identified compartment-specific circRNA signatures, ...

Combinatorial Blood Platelets-Derived circRNA and mRNA ...

Here, we investigated the synergistic contributions of circRNA and mRNA signatures derived from blood platelets as biomarkers for lung cancer detection.

Tumor-educated platelet RNA as a diagnostic biomarker for ...

TEPs can be used for the early diagnosis of lung cancer can not only enhance the sensitivity and specificity of detection and may also serve as ...