
Last year in the UK over 60,000 cancer patients enrolled on clinical trials aimed at improving cancer treatments and making them available to all.
Please note - this trial is no longer recruiting patients. We hope to add results when they are available.
This study is looking at the length of a structure called a telomere to see if it changes during a course of cancer treatment.
All body cells contain , contained in the control centre of the cell (
). The chromosomes are made of DNA. This is the genetic code – the blueprint for a human being. DNA is a bit like an instruction manual for building the body and keeping it healthy.
This study is looking at structures at the ends of chromosomes called telomeres. Telomeres act as caps to protect the chromosome. We know from research that telomeres can be shorter than usual when someone has cancer. Researchers think that telomere length may also be important as a marker of how cancer cells might respond to chemotherapy. And of how cells age, which might be important in cancer treatment.
In this study, they will measure telomere lengths in blood samples of people having chemotherapy before and after surgery to treat their cancer. They will look at any changes in the telomeres. And try to see if any changes in these and other markers of ageing cells and cell damage help them understand how chemotherapy affects cancer.
You will not have any direct benefit from taking part in this study, and it is unlikely to change your treatment plan in any way. But the results of the study will be used to help people with cancer in the future.
You can enter this study if you
You cannot enter this study if you
This study will recruit 153 people. Everyone will give an extra blood sample
You give the study blood samples when you are at the hospital for your treatment or follow up appointment. So you will not need to make any extra visits to take part.
You may have a small bruise where you gave your blood sample.
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Professor Jeff Evans
Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC)
Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board
NIHR Clinical Research Network: Cancer
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040
Last year in the UK over 60,000 cancer patients enrolled on clinical trials aimed at improving cancer treatments and making them available to all.