Project PHOENIX is an observational clinical research study designed to characterize molecular, genomic, cellular, and functional features in blood specimens from former U.S. Service Members with prior burn pit exposure and from matched unexposed controls. Participants will complete screening, informed consent, health and exposure questionnaires, and a one-time blood collection. Blood-derived specimens may undergo genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, immunophenotyping, and cellular functional analyses. Participants may also agree to optional future re-contact for health updates and possible repeat blood collection. The goal is to identify biologic signatures associated with prior deployment-related burn pit exposure and to support future biomarker discovery and translational research in veteran health.
Age 18 years or older at the time of consent
Former or current U.S. Service Member, including Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, or Veteran status
For exposed cohort: prior deployment to a location with known burn pit operations, based on participant report and available confirmation when feasible
For control cohort: no known deployment to burn pit locations
Active serious illness or infection that, in the investigator's judgment, would compromise participation or specimen integrity
Receipt of systemic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy within the past 6 months
High-dose systemic immunosuppression, defined as more than 20 mg prednisone equivalent daily for more than 14 days within the past 3 months
Pregnant or currently breast-feeding
Creative Medical Technology Holdings Inc
Lead sponsor
WCG IRB
Collaborator