RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Non-Invasive Artificial Intelligence-Based Platform MonIToring Program (NIP IT!)

The 'NIP IT!' study is for people who have had successful treatment for breast cancer, melanoma, or a certain type of bowel cancer. Even after treatment, there's a chance the cancer could return, often starting as tiny cells that are hard to spot. This study uses new technology, including AI, to look for these early signs of cancer in blood and stool samples. By finding these traces much earlier than traditional scans, doctors might be able to step in and treat the cancer sooner. The main aim is to help prevent cancer from coming back and improve how long people stay well after their initial treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

500

Start

20 Jul 2022

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2027

Breast Cancer Melanoma Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumor

What is this study about?

When people have had treatment for cancer, like breast cancer, melanoma, or certain gut cancers, the aim is to get rid of all the cancer. Sometimes, however, tiny cancer cells can remain in the body, even if they're too small to see on scans or tests. This study, called 'NIP IT!' (which stands for New Innovative Platform), is all about trying to find these tiny traces of cancer really early on.

Imagine you have had your main cancer treatment. This study wants to collect samples like blood and stool from you over time. We'll use very sensitive new methods and even artificial intelligence (AI) – which is like smart computer programs – to look for signs that the cancer might be trying to come back. These signs are often called 'molecular residual disease' (MRD). It means we're looking for bits of cancer material in your body that are too small for normal scans to pick up.

The main reason this matters is that if we can spot these tiny traces of cancer much earlier, before it becomes a bigger, more obvious problem, doctors might be able to act sooner. The hope is that by intervening early, we can stop the cancer from fully returning and help people stay healthy and cancer-free for a much longer time.

Key takeaways

Aims to detect cancer recurrence very early using new methods.
For people treated for breast cancer, melanoma, or gut neuroendocrine tumors.
Uses blood and stool samples, along with AI technology.
The goal is to help prevent cancer from coming back and improve long-term health.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer: breast cancer, melanoma, or a specific kind of cancer in the gut called a gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumor. You must be planned to have, or have already had, treatment that aims to cure your cancer, not just manage it.

You need to be at least 18 years old to take part in this study. Before you can join, you'll need to read and sign a consent form, which explains everything about the study in detail so you can make an informed decision.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer, melanoma, or a specific gut neuroendocrine tumour?
Have you had or are you planning to have treatment that aims to cure your cancer?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you willing to give blood and stool samples?
Are you comfortable signing a consent form to join the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the NIP IT! study, you will be asked to provide various samples over time. This will mainly involve giving blood and stool samples. These samples will be analysed using advanced technologies to look for very early signs of cancer returning. The study isn't about giving you new medication, but rather about monitoring your health closely. The exact number of visits and the total length of your participation will be explained to you in full before you agree to join. You will also have follow-up appointments where your health will be checked.

Potential risks and benefits

There are potential benefits to taking part, as your samples could help researchers develop new ways to detect cancer recurrence much earlier, which may ultimately improve outcomes for many patients. You might also feel a sense of contribution to medical science. The main risks involve the usual discomfort of blood draws. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of cancers is this study looking at?

This study is for people with breast cancer, melanoma, or a specific type of gut cancer called a gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumor.

What does 'curative treatment' mean?

It means you have received or are planning to receive treatment that aims to get rid of your cancer completely, not just control its growth.

What samples will I need to give?

You'll be asked to provide blood and stool samples for testing.

Will I get new medicine in this study?

No, this study is about monitoring and detection, not about testing new cancer drugs.

What is AI and how is it used?

AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. In this study, it refers to smart computer programs that will help analyse your samples to look for patterns that might show cancer returning early.

How to find out more

Celeste Yu, MSc

celeste.yu@uhn.ca 416-946-4501 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.