Screening firefighters for cancer using advanced imaging and blood tests
Official title: Occupational Cancer Screening in Firefighters: A Pilot Study Within the Inova Health System
Run by Inova Health Care Services · NCT06931561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if advanced imaging and blood tests can help find cancer earlier in firefighters who have served for at least 10 years.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 35 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 800 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Inova Health Care Services Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Fairfax, Virginia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 11, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06931561 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are firefighters aged 35 and older with at least 10 years of cumulative service.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of invasive cancer in the past 5 years or those currently undergoing diagnostic workup for cancer may 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 pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and whole-body ultrasound, along with a multi-cancer detection blood test, in detecting various cancers among firefighters. The study will involve 800 career and volunteer firefighters aged 35 and older, each with at least 10 years of service. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either whole-body MRI or ultrasound screening, and all will undergo the blood test. The goal is to gather preliminary data on the clinical impact of these investigational screening methods in this high-risk population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection of cancer in firefighters, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into cancer screening for high-risk populations, this specific approach using whole-body imaging and blood tests in firefighters is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 35 years old * at least 10 cumulative years working as a firefighter * Actively serving as a firefighter (active or volunteer) with completion of NFPA physical examination within the past 6 months * Ability to understand and willing to sign informed consent * Ability to understand and willing to sign the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Authorization * Additional eligibility criteria in protocol Exclusion Criteria: * No prior history of any invasive cancer within the previous 5 years (non-melanoma skin cancer and in situ carcinoma would still be eligible) and no current diagnostic workup for suspicion of cancer * Received a whole-body MRI, whole-body ultrasound, or been tested with a MCD within the past 1-year * For women of childbearing potential, pregnancy and no plans for pregnancy for the duration of the study * Additional exclusion criteria in protocol
Where it's running
-
Inova Schar Cancer - Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center
Fairfax, Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rebecca Kaltman, MD — Inova Health System - Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center
- Study coordinator: Salman Baig
- Email: salman.baig@inova.org
- Phone: (571) 472-3500
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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.