NCT06304168 · Mayo Clinic
Validation of DNA Methylation Markers for Universal and Site-specific Guided Cancer Detection, VANGUARD Study
What this study is about
This study explores the potential value of a new blood test approach for early detection of cancer.
View original scientific description
This study explores the potential value of a new blood test approach for early detection of cancer.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Aim 1 Tissue
- Patient has a biopsy confirmed diagnosis of target histology
- Tissue samples from synchronous or metachronous primary cancers may be used as long as they are clearly of a different target organ.
- Tumors from patients with an underlying genetic disorder pre-disposing to cancer may be included as long as they are stratified from those without
- Patient does not have the diagnosis of target histology
- Aim 2 Blood
- Patient has a biopsy confirmed diagnosis of target histology or radiographic criteria that are unequivocal for diagnosis (example, meets radiographic criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Patient does not have a diagnosis of the target histology
- Aim 3 Urine
- Patient has a biopsy confirmed diagnosis of target histology or radiographic criteria that are unequivocal for diagnosis (example, meets radiographic criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Patient does not have a diagnosis of the target histology
Exclusion criteria
- Aim 1 Tissue
- Cases and Controls:
- Patient has had any transplants prior to tissue collection
- Patient has received chemotherapy class drugs within 5 years prior to tissue collection
- Patient has had radiation to the current target lesion prior to tissue collection
- Patient has multi-centric/multi-focal breast cancer with differing genetic profiles (ER/HER2/PR status differ; if multiple masses are present and not all are tested then exclude patient)
- Patient has bilateral breast cancer/Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Aim 2 Blood
- Cases and Controls:
- Patient has known cancer outside of the target cancer 5 years prior to blood collection (not including basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers)
- Patient has received chemotherapy class drugs in the 5 years prior to blood collection
- Patient has had any prior radiation therapy to the target lesion prior to blood collection
- Patient has had a biopsy to the target organ and/or lesion within 3 days before blood collection
- Patient has had an intervention to completely remove current target pathology
- The current target pathology is a recurrence
- Patient has multi-centric/multi-focal breast cancer with differing genetic profiles (ER/HER2/PR status differ; if multiple masses are present and not all are tested then exclude patient)
- Patient has bilateral breast cancer/DCIS
- Aim 3 Urine
- Patient has known cancer outside of the target cancer 5 years prior to urine collection (not including basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers)
- Patient has received chemotherapy class drugs in the 5 years prior to urine collection
- Patient has had any prior radiation therapy to the target lesion prior to urine collection
- Patient has had a biopsy to the target organ and/or lesion within 3 days before urine collection
- The current target pathology is a recurrence
- Patient has chronic indwelling urinary catheter
- Patient has had a urinary tract infection within the 14 days prior to sample collection
- If patient does not have a primary bladder, ureter or urethral cancer, patient has a history of bladder ureter, or urethral cancer
- Patient has had an intervention to completely remove current target pathology
- The current target pathology is a recurrence
- Patient has multi-centric/multi-focal breast cancer with differing genetic profiles \[estrogen receptor (ER)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/progesterone receptor (PR)\] status differ; if multiple masses are present and not all are tested then exclude patient)
- Patient has bilateral breast cancer/DCIS
Where
- Rochester, Minnesota
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations