Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Measuring DNA damage in residents exposed to a train derailment in East Palestine

Official title: Healthy Futures Research Study: Linking Somatic Mutation Rate With Baseline Exposure in East Palestine

Run by Case Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT06357845 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to see if living near a train derailment in East Palestine has caused DNA damage in local residents by looking at their health and collecting samples like blood and hair.

More Somatic Mutation trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment500 (estimated)
SponsorCase Comprehensive Cancer Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 16, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2026
Study endsSeptember 30, 2026
Registry record updatedMarch 16, 2026
Trial IDNCT06357845 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are residents who lived in specific counties during the time of the train derailment and are currently residing in the United States.

Probably not a fit

Patients who did not reside in the specified counties during the derailment or who provide invalid addresses will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the biological impact of chemical exposure resulting from a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, by measuring somatic mutation rates in residents. Participants will complete surveys regarding their health experiences and may provide biological specimens such as blood and hair for analysis. The research will explore the relationship between DNA damage and factors like proximity to the derailment and individual health histories. The study seeks to establish a cohort for ongoing research into the long-term health effects of environmental exposure.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide critical insights into the health impacts of environmental disasters on affected communities.

How similar studies have gone: While studies on environmental exposure and health impacts are common, this specific approach to linking somatic mutation rates with exposure from a recent incident is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Residence on February 3rd, 2023 in Columbiana County, Ohio, Mahoning County, Ohio, Beaver County, PA, or Lawrence County, PA.
* Current residence in the United States.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Address provided for February 3rd, 2023 not in Columbiana County, Ohio, Mahoning County, Ohio, Beaver County, PA, or Lawrence County, PA
* Invalid address provided for February 3rd, 2023 residence.

Where it's running

  • Case Western Reserve University, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
    Cleveland, Ohio, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Fredrick R Schumacher, PhD — Case Western Reserve University, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Study coordinator: Fredrick R Schumacher, PhD
  • Email: healthyfutures@case.edu
  • Phone: 216-368-0351

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.