The Vanguard Study: Testing a New Way to Screen for Cancer (NCT06995898) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
The Vanguard Study: Testing a New Way to Screen for Cancer
United States24,000 participantsStarted 2025-06-18
Plain-language summary
The Vanguard Study is a feasibility study to explore several aspects of evaluating multi-cancer detection (MCD) tests in a future definitive randomized controlled trial. An MCD test measures markers in the blood in order to screen for multiple cancers simultaneously. There is a need to understand how MCDs may work as cancer screening tools. The goal of cancer screening is to reduce the burden of cancer by identifying cancers before they show symptoms or signs, when treatment is likely to be most effective. In this study, adults aged 45-75 without cancer will be randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: 2 separate MCD test groups or a control group. These two MCD tests will not be compared to each other but will be compared to cancers detected in the control group. This study will provide early information on how well MCD tests perform as cancer screening tools. It will also help researchers understand how patients and their doctors make decisions about their care when the MCD test result comes back as normal (negative) or abnormal (positive).
Who can participate
Age range
45 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Ages 45-75 years old
* Agree to provide blood samples for possible MCD testing at enrollment and at 1 year following enrollment
* Agree to allow collection of information from their medical records for study-related purposes
* Understand and be able to complete informed consent and participant questionnaires in English, Spanish, or Arabic
* Note: Eligibility for Spanish and Arabic languages are at the Hub's discretion
Exclusion Criteria:
* Solid malignant tumor or blood cancer diagnosis, with or without treatment, within the last 5 years
* Note: Persons with a history of in situ cancers (e.g., ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast, cervical cancer in situ, atypical melanocytic hyperplasia or melanoma in situ) or nonmelanoma skin cancer are eligible
* Ongoing cancer diagnostic work-up
* Ongoing participation in another study of an investigational cancer screening test or technology
* Currently breastfeeding or pregnant, or planning to become pregnant in the next year
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Feasibility of enrollment onto study
Timeframe: At time of randomization
2
Proportion of participants who complete baseline and follow-up questionnaires within 60 days of receipt
Timeframe: Up to 3 years
3
Proportion of participants who provide the required blood sample for year 1 for Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) testing within 90 days of recommended time point
Timeframe: Up to 2 years
4
Proportion of participants considered lost to follow-up within 2 years of randomization