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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cleveland, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 16, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06357845 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
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.