Cancer Screening for Firefighters

Overseen By Bryan Bassig, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Inova Health Care Services

Disqualifiers: Invasive cancer, Recent whole-body MRI, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

800 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how whole-body MRI and ultrasound, along with a special blood test (MCD Assay), can detect multiple cancers in firefighters. These methods aim to catch cancer early, even without symptoms. It targets firefighters aged 35 or older with at least 10 years of service and no recent history of invasive cancer. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance early cancer detection methods.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that these investigational devices are safe for cancer screening in firefighters?

A previous study found whole-body MRI to be generally safe for cancer screening. It is recommended for adults and children at higher risk of cancer. This scan uses magnets and radio waves, so it involves no radiation. However, individuals with metal implants, such as pacemakers, should exercise caution around MRI machines.

Whole-body ultrasound is another option under exploration. It is considered safe because it uses sound waves, not radiation, to create images. This non-invasive method does not require surgery or entering the body. For firefighters, it might help detect cancers early, which is crucial given the risks they face on the job.

Both methods have FDA approval for certain uses but are still under study for screening healthy individuals without cancer symptoms. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these screening methods for firefighters because they offer non-invasive and comprehensive ways to detect cancer early. Unlike standard screening options that might focus on specific body parts, whole body MRI provides a detailed view of the entire body using magnetic resonance imaging, which can help spot abnormalities without radiation exposure. Whole body ultrasound, on the other hand, uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the body, offering a radiation-free alternative that can be especially beneficial for frequent monitoring. These methods could lead to earlier detection and more timely interventions, which is crucial for firefighters who face higher cancer risks due to their occupational hazards.

What evidence suggests that whole-body MRI and ultrasound are effective for cancer screening in firefighters?

This trial will compare whole-body MRI and whole-body ultrasound as cancer screening methods for firefighters. Studies have shown that whole-body MRI is a safe and effective cancer screening tool, especially for high-risk groups like firefighters. It can detect cancers early, when treatment is more likely to succeed. Research indicates that about 50% of cancers are found at later stages, so early detection with tools like MRI can significantly impact outcomes. Although whole-body ultrasound is not as commonly used for cancer screening, it also holds potential for early cancer detection, particularly in specific groups such as firefighters. Both methods aim to catch cancer early, improving the chances of a positive outcome. ^{4 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Stephanie Van Bebber

Principal Investigator

Inova Health System - Inova Schar Cancer

Rebecca Kaltman, MD

Principal Investigator

Inova Health System - Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for firefighters who may be at risk of cancer due to their occupation. Participants should be healthy adults without current signs of cancer. The study aims to understand the effectiveness of whole-body MRI, ultrasound, and a new blood test in early cancer detection.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 35 years old or older.

Ability to understand and willing to sign the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Authorization

Additional eligibility criteria in protocol

Exclusion Criteria

For women of childbearing potential, pregnancy

Additional exclusion criteria in protocol

I've had a whole-body MRI, ultrasound, or MCD test in the last year.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Imaging and Blood Test

Participants undergo whole-body MRI or ultrasound and a multi-cancer detection blood test

up to 1 year

Multiple visits as needed for imaging and blood tests

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after screening tests

up to 1 year

Follow-up visits based on test results

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• MCD Assay
• Whole Body MRI
• Whole Body Ultrasound

Trial Overview The study is testing the use of an occupational exposure questionnaire, whole-body MRI scans, whole-body ultrasounds, and a novel MCD assay blood test to screen for multiple cancers in firefighters as part of a pilot program within the Inova Health System.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Whole Body MRI Active Control 3 Interventions

Prenuvo whole body magnetic resonance imaging

Group II: Whole Body Ultrasound Active Control 3 Interventions

High frequency sound waves

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Inova Health Care Services

Lead Sponsor

Trials

80

Recruited

22,700+

Virginia Department of Health

Collaborator

Trials

5

Recruited

970+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Recent advancements in whole-body MRI technology allow for high-resolution imaging in a single 60-minute examination, which could enhance cancer screening efforts.

The review discusses the potential benefits and challenges of using whole-body MRI, including its application in detecting common malignancies, while also addressing limitations based on current experiences and literature.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Oncologic screening with whole-body MRI: possibilities and limitations]. Schäfer, JF., Fischmann, A., Lichy, M., et al.[2019]

Whole-body MRI (WB MRI) was evaluated in a study of 229 patients and identified two cases of malignancy among six suspicious lesions, demonstrating its potential utility in cancer screening.

In addition to detecting possible cancers, WB MRI revealed various nonmalignant conditions, such as disc issues and shoulder bursitis, indicating its effectiveness for comprehensive health evaluations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An initial experience with the use of whole body MRI for cancer screening and regular health checks. Lee, SY., Park, HJ., Kim, MS., et al.[2019]

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) is recommended for cancer screening in individuals with cancer predisposition syndromes, helping to improve health and survival rates in high-risk populations.

There is an increasing interest in using WB-MRI for cancer screening in asymptomatic individuals from the general population, highlighting the need for standardized acquisition protocols and tailored recommendations for different groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) for cancer screening: recommendations for use. Petralia, G., Zugni, F., Summers, PE., et al.[2022]

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) is a radiation-free imaging technique that can effectively detect and characterize lesions in less than 40 minutes, making it a valuable tool in cancer management.

International guidelines now recommend WB-MRI for various cancers, including multiple myeloma and prostate cancer, due to its superior ability to evaluate treatment responses and screen high-risk patients compared to traditional imaging methods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging: technique, guidelines and key applications. Summers, P., Saia, G., Colombo, A., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06931561

Occupational Cancer Screening in Firefighters: A Pilot ... The purpose of this study is to further understand the clinical impact and follow-up steps that may be required based on using whole-body Magnetic Resonance ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-neoplasms-1-2025-25389

Cancer Screening for Firefighters Whole-body MRI is generally considered safe for cancer screening, and it is recommended for individuals with a high risk of cancer. It is increasingly used for ...

3. mri-wellness.com mri-wellness.com/firefighter-cancer-awareness-month-the-importance-of-early-detection/

Early Detection of Cancer for Firefighters is Key With 50% of cancers being detected at later stages, significantly lowering the chance of a positive outcome, undergoing a full-body scan can ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8558201/

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) for ... In this systematic review, we analyse the methodology and the results of the original research articles covering the use of WB-MRI for cancer screening in ...

5. issuu.com issuu.com/mhccn.survivorship/docs/fdsoa_presentation_screenings_

Cancer Screenings for Fire Fighters Objectives. 1. Examine cancer in the fire service. 2. Discuss how to reduce the risk. 3. Discuss early diagnosis and detection.

6. fireengineering.com fireengineering.com/firefighting/magnetic-resonance-imaging-safety-for-firefighters/

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety for Firefighters It is important that all firefighters, not just the officer in charge, understand the hazards of MRI machines. The technical information ...

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06931561

Occupational Cancer Screening in Firefighters: A Pilot ... The purpose of this study is to further understand the clinical impact and follow-up steps that may be required based on using whole-body Magnetic Resonance ...

8. udshealth.com udshealth.com/blog/comprehensive-full-body-scans-guide/

Full Body Scans: Top 3 Methods Compared for Early ... Explore the safety, costs, and effectiveness of full body scan, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound for early cancer detection.