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Impact of Chronic MICROplastic Exposure on RADiotherapy of Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Clinical and Translational Oncology Study:

NCT07690631 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 500

Last updated 2026-07-15

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

MICRORAD is a pioneering 48-month translational research project that investigates the potential health and environmental impacts of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) released from medical devices when exposed to ionizing radiation. In radiation oncology, thermoplastic masks (TPMs) are standard immobilization tools, particularly for head and neck (HN) cancer patients. Globally, approximately 2.65 million TPMs are used annually in the radiotherapy of HN cancer patients and with an additional 8 to 10 million for other tumor types. TPMs are repeatedly subjected to high-energy X-rays and frequent handling, raising concerns about polymer degradation and the release of MNPs, which may interfere with treatment efficacy or contribute to radiation toxicity.

MICRORAD is the first translational study to explore this phenomenon by integrating clinical oncology, materials science, radiobiology, and data science. The project will analyze radiation-induced changes in TPMs, quantify MNP release, and assess their biological effects through in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.

Using advanced detection techniques, the project will characterize MNPs and trace their biodistribution, while a clinical pilot will correlate MNP exposure with treatment outcomes. Data integration, biostatistics, and AI-based modeling will support the translation of findings into clinical guidelines, policy briefs, and public communication.

A multidisciplinary team will collaborate to ensure real-world impact. By bridging oncology and environmental health, MICRORAD aims to establish eco-oncology as a new field, contributing to patient safety and sustainable innovation.

Conditions

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Kragujevac

    lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-09-30
Primary Completion
2029-10-31
Completion
2030-10-31

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Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07690631 on ClinicalTrials.gov