NCT07631624 Methylated Biomarkers of Smoking as a Selection Tool in Participants for Lung Cancer Screening
| NCT ID | NCT07631624 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Antwerp |
| Condition | Epigenetics |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 1,000 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-10-04 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-01-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 1,000 participants in total. It began in 2025-10-04 with a primary completion date of 2027-01-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The MET-SELS study aims to revolutionize how we identify individuals for lung cancer screening by moving beyond the limitations of self-reported smoking history. Currently, eligibility for low-dose CT (LDCT) scans relies on "pack-years"-a metric often compromised by recall bias, under-reporting, and an inability to account for the biological nuances of smoke inhalation or environmental exposure. Consequently, current criteria miss nearly half of incidental lung cancers. To bridge this gap, the study investigates DNA methylation as a stable, objective "biological footprint" of smoking. Unlike short-term biomarkers like nicotine or CO levels, specific epigenetic changes in genes such as AHRR and F2RL3 persist long after cessation and correlate accurately with cumulative tobacco exposure. Led by Professor Dr. Annemiek Snoeckx and a multidisciplinary team at UZA and the Centre for Medical Genetics, the research will analyze saliva samples from two groups: roughly 900 participants from the ZORALCS screening trial and 150 volunteers. By comparing saliva-derived genomic signatures against both self-reported data and professional interviews, the team aims to validate a panel of methylation markers that can pinpoint high-risk individuals with far greater precision. The ultimate vision for MET-SELS is to implement a population-based "saliva-first" triage system, similar to the FIT test used for colorectal cancer. In this model, high-risk candidates would provide a saliva sample at home; only those with a confirmed epigenetic risk profile would be invited for a LDCT scan, significantly increasing the yield of early-stage lung cancer detection while streamlining healthcare resources.
Eligibility Criteria
Cohort 1: Volunteers Inclusion Criteria: * Age: Must be \> 50 years of age * Smoking History: Includes individuals with and without a smoking history Cohort 2: ZORALCS-study participants Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 55-74 years old * Smoking History: Includes individuals with a smoking history
Contact & Investigator
Annemiek Snoeckx, MD, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
University Of Antwerp / Antwerp University Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07631624 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 50 Years or older, studying Epigenetics. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07631624 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07631624 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at charlotte.theuns@uantwerpen.be for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07631624 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Antwerp, Belgium.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07631624 clinical trial?
NCT07631624 is sponsored by University Hospital, Antwerp. The principal investigator is Annemiek Snoeckx, MD, PhD at University Of Antwerp / Antwerp University Hospital. The trial plans to enroll 1,000 participants.