Effect of Radiotherapy Variables on Circulating Effectors of Immune Response and Local Microbiome

Breast Cancer Clinical Trial

Official title: Effect of Radiotherapy Variables on Circulating Effectors of Immune Response and Local Microbiome

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Exposure to radiation can impact immune cells that are present in the blood, such as lymphocytes. It is hypothesized that larger radiation fields and/or longer courses of radiation, result in greater decrease in immune cells. To test this hypothesis, investigators will take blood samples from subjects undergoing two different standard of care radiation regimens for prostate cancer, and subjects undergoing two different standard of care regimens for breast cancer.

Clinical Trial Description

The study prospectively collects blood specimens for assessment of peripheral immune mediators in 4 distinct clinical settings of standard radiotherapy. In addition to collecting blood specimens, the study will also collect physical and dosimetric information of treatment such as total dose, number of treatments, and/or size of the radiation targe, as these will allow the investigators to study the impact of radiation variables on the immune system. Stool specimens will be collected at baseline, end of radiation therapy and during the follow up visit to detect microbiome changes associated with different radiation treatment at various time points. Humans are colonized by commensal bacteria, which outnumber human cells. These normal bacteria colonize mucosal surfaces and play a critical role in immunity. It is hypothesized that the underlying microbiota may also undergo changes in composition that correspond to the regimen of radiation that is utilized. By collecting stool specimens, investigators will be able to study microbial changes and how these changes correlate with alteration in immune mediators (i.e., lymphocytes, cytokines) present in blood samples before, during and after radiation; and explore the association between these parameters and type of radiation received. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Breast Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Prostatic Neoplasms

• NCT number: NCT03383107
• Study type: Observational
• Source: Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• Status: Completed
• Start date: January 22, 2018
• Completion date: July 31, 2021