Non-invasive blood test for early detection of organ rejection in heart and lung transplants

Genome Transplant Dynamics

Observational National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT02423070

This study is testing a new blood test to see if it can help heart and lung transplant patients catch early signs of organ rejection before it causes serious problems.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment991 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Locations6 sites (Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02423070 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients receiving heart or lung transplants and aims to validate a new non-invasive blood test that detects donor-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the recipient's blood. By measuring levels of this cfDNA, the study seeks to identify early signs of acute rejection, which can occur silently and lead to serious complications. Participants will provide blood samples, and the study will also collect genetic and biological data to understand why some patients experience more complications post-transplant. The ultimate goal is to improve monitoring and outcomes for transplant patients by detecting rejection earlier than traditional biopsy methods allow.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 14 and older who are within three months of receiving a heart or lung transplant.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or those who do not meet the inclusion criteria for heart or lung transplantation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier detection of organ rejection, potentially improving the long-term success of heart and lung transplants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using cfDNA for detecting acute rejection, indicating that this approach has potential but requires further validation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Lung and heart transplant candidates. Dual organ transplants such as those that include lung or heart PLUS any other organ are also considered for enrollment.
* Subjects who have undergone lung or heart transplants and are within 3 months of transplantation.
* 14 years and older
* Able to understand and be willing to sign the informed consent form. Subjects undergoing a double transplant will sign a single consent.
* Retransplant candidates will be considered as a new transplants. These subjects will be approached for enrollment and if they consent to participate, they will be assigned a different SSPIN.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

-Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 5 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Thoracic Organ TransplantationCell-free DNAAcute RejectionNon-Invasive TestingChronic RejectionNatural History
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.