Clinical Research Directory

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

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.

Microplastic Exposure From Clear Aligner Wear (MPE)

An observational longitudinal study measuring microplastic exposure and physiologic uptake in orthodontic patients receiving clear aligner treatment.

Microplastics in Paraneoplastic and Intratumoral for Colorectal Cancer

The objective of this study is to identify and characterize microplastics present in peritumoral and intratumoral tissues of colorectal cancer patients, and to investigate their associations with gut microbiome composition and metabolic profiles. By integrating microplastic analysis with metagenomic and metabolomic data, we aim to explore the potential impact of environmental microplastic exposure on tumor microenvironment alterations, microbial dysbiosis, and metabolic reprogramming in colorectal cancer.