Detection of Endometrial Cancer Through Risk Modelling
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Endometrial Cancer. Basic parameters: from 40 years · Female.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Canada
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Non-Invasive Strategies for Early Detection of Uterine Cancer in Patients With Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Overview
The study goal is to investigate a non-invasive approach to predict endometrial cancer (EC) risk, better understand disease progression and identify opportunities for intervention. This two-part case-cohort prospective study will recruit patients whose abnormal uterine bleeding is being evaluated via endometrial biopsy. Participants will complete an online health questionnaire, and a subset will be invited to self-collect vaginal samples for sequencing. Selected sequenced participants will be invited for longitudinal monitoring (questionnaires, wearable fitness tracker) and an additional vaginal self-collection to identify persistent genetic mutations or microbiome alterations 6-8 months later.
Detailed description
Purpose:
To improve the prediction of EC and its precursors by integrating data from questionnaires and biological biomarkers obtained from non-invasive tests (vaginal DNA and microbiome swabs, vaginal pH). We also want to better understand pre-malignant disease progression and identify opportunities for earlier intervention.
Hypotheses:
1. Risk factors in combination with ultrasound data, and patterns of abnormal bleeding are associated with endometrial cancer and its precursors. 2. Prediction of pathology is improved by including mutation and microbiome data from noninvasive tests combined with traditional risk factors. 3. Persistence of mutations and microbiome alterations is more common in patients with endometrial hyperplasia than other benign diagnoses and is associated with lifestyle factors.
Justification:
Non-invasive tests and questionnaires may be used to predict onset of endometrial carcinoma or its precursors and can be used to triage those participants with abnormal bleeding who require an endometrial biopsy.
Objectives:
To enhance understanding of the progression of EC and propose non-invasive methods for detection in patients who are experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding and have already been referred to a gynecologist for an endometrial biopsy.
Research Design:
This is a prospective case-cohort study that will recruit n=1000+ participants over the age of 35 years whose abnormal uterine bleeding is being evaluated via endometrial biopsy. Prospective participants will consent to access the information in their medical records, including access to their pathology report. A subset of participants (n=450) will be invited to self-collect vaginal DNA and microbiome samples using swabs and vaginal pH using a litmus kit for sequencing and analysis. A subset of those who retain their uterus (i.e. are not directed to a hysterectomy per standard clinical management) (n=200+), will be invited to take part in longitudinal monitoring using a wearable fitness tracker (Fitbit) and questionnaires, and an additional vaginal self-collection.
Primary outcome measures
- Diagnostic Performance of cfDNA Mutation Detection for Endometrial Pathology [Time frame: Through study completion, anticipated 1-2 years]
- Association Between Vaginal Microbiome Profile and Endometrial Pathology [Time frame: Through study completion, anticipated 1-2 years]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
Study Part A:
- 40 years and older
- Experiencing unexplained abnormal uterine bleeding (i.e., not from IUD, etc.)
- Have an intact uterus
- Referred for an endometrial biopsy
Study Part B/Longitudinal monitoring:
- Those selected for sequencing (from Part A) and who retained their uterus.
Exclusion criteria
Study Part A:
- Endometrial sampling, pelvic radiation, or vaginal infection (vaginosis, yeast) in the past 3 months
- Started hormone therapy (HRT, birth control, IUD) in the past year (with the exception of tamoxifen)
- Intercourse, vaginal product use, or douching in the past 48 hours
Study Part B/Longitudinal monitoring:
- Same as Study Part A
- EC or EIN, or anyone who is recommended a hysterectomy
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
Study locations
Canada · 1 center
- VGH Research Pavilion — Vancouver
Publications
- Pfeiffer RM, Park Y, Kreimer AR, Lacey JV Jr, Pee D, Greenlee RT, Buys SS, Hollenbeck A, Rosner B, Gail MH, Hartge P. Risk prediction for breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer in white women aged 50 y or older: derivation and validation from population-based cohort studies. PLoS Med. 2013;10(7):e1001492. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001492. Epub 2013 Jul 30. PMID 23935463
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06268626 · H22-02426 · F22-01302 · F21-03695