Investigating microplastic pollution in the lungs and its link to lung cancer
Investigation of Microplastic Pollution in the Human Respiratory System and Its Relationship to Lung Cancer
This study is trying to see if tiny bits of plastic in the lungs are linked to lung cancer in patients who are having a special lung test.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tampa, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06530615 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to study and characterize the burden of microplastics in the lungs of patients undergoing bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at Moffitt Cancer Center. By analyzing samples collected during bronchoscopy, the study seeks to understand the relationship between microplastic exposure and lung cancer development. The observational nature of the study allows for the collection of real-world data without any experimental intervention. The findings could provide insights into environmental factors contributing to lung cancer.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English or Spanish-speaking patients scheduled for bronchoscopy or BAL at thoracic clinics at Moffitt.
Not a fit: Patients with a known history of lung cancer or prior lung surgeries may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of environmental risk factors for lung cancer, potentially leading to improved prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the investigation of microplastics in human health is emerging, this specific focus on lung cancer and microplastic pollution is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English or Spanish-speaking patients scheduled for bronchoscopy/bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in thoracic clinics at Moffitt. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with a known prior history of lung cancer or that have undergone a Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) procedure at any time in the past in the involved lung targeted for BAL. * Patients that have had any prior lung or thoracic or surgeries or procedures (examples: removal of lung or portions of the involved lung (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, wedge resection/segmentectomy). * Patients with specimens that are considered to be non-adequate as true Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) (i.e., absence of alveolar macrophages) after pathologist's evaluation will be excluded from the study.
Where this trial is running
Tampa, Florida
- Moffitt Cancer Center — Tampa, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kathleen M Egan, ScD — Moffitt Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Kathleen M Egan, ScD
- Email: KATHLEEN.EGAN@MOFFITT.ORG
- Phone: 813-745-6149
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.