Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Methylated Biomarkers Predictive of Endometrial Cancer Risk

Researchers are conducting a study to find new ways to predict the risk of womb cancer. They are looking for specific markers, called 'methylated biomarkers', in samples from women aged 45-70 who are already having a hysterectomy at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester. These women might be having surgery either because of womb cancer or for a non-cancerous gynaecological issue. The aim is to improve how these markers are found and measured in simple, non-invasive samples, like a urine or blood test, rather than needing an operation. By finding these markers, doctors hope to better identify women at higher risk of womb cancer earlier, potentially leading to earlier treatment and better outcomes in the long run.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

200

Start

31 Jul 2024

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Endometrial Cancer

What is this study about?

This research study is focused on a type of cancer that affects the womb, called endometrial cancer. It's a common cancer, and doctors are always looking for better ways to find it early, sometimes even before symptoms appear. Currently, diagnosing womb cancer often involves procedures that aren't ideal, so finding simpler methods is a big step forward.

The scientists in this study are interested in something called "methylated biomarkers." Think of these as tiny chemical tags on our DNA that can sometimes change when diseases like cancer are present. The researchers believe that by looking for these specific tags, they might be able to tell if someone has a higher chance of developing womb cancer. They want to make sure they can find and measure these tags accurately using samples that are easy to collect, like urine or blood, rather than needing more invasive tests.

By taking part, you would help researchers understand more about these markers. The information gathered could lead to new, simpler screening tests in the future. This means that, eventually, doctors might be able to identify women at risk earlier and with less discomfort, leading to quicker treatment and better health outcomes for many.

Key takeaways

This study aims to find better ways to detect womb cancer risk.
It's for women aged 45-70 having a hysterectomy at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester.
Participation involves providing tissue, blood, or urine samples during your planned procedure.
There are no new treatments or extra appointments involved.
Your contribution could help improve early cancer detection for others.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women between 45 and 70 years old who are scheduled to have a hysterectomy (an operation to remove the womb) at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester. You might be having this operation either because you have been diagnosed with womb cancer or for another reason, such as a non-cancerous gynaecological condition.

It's important that you are able to understand the study and agree to take part. Unfortunately, if you have any other type of cancer (apart from womb cancer) or if you are having your hysterectomy because your doctors suspect you might have ovarian cancer, you would not be able to join this study. This helps the researchers focus on very specific conditions.

Quick self-check

Are you a woman aged between 45 and 70 years old?
Are you having a hysterectomy at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester?
Is your hysterectomy for womb cancer or a harmless gynaecological problem?
Do you feel able to understand the study and agree to take part?
Do you *not* have any other types of cancer (besides womb cancer)?
Are you *not* having surgery specifically for suspected ovarian cancer?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

This is an observational study, which means you won't be given any new medications or treatments specially for the study. If you decide to take part, the researchers will ask for your permission to collect extra tissue samples during your planned hysterectomy. These samples would be collected at the time of your surgery, so it wouldn't involve any additional procedures during your operation. The researchers will also likely ask for a blood or urine sample. There are no extra hospital visits required for the study. Your normal care and follow-up for your hysterectomy will continue as planned by your doctors.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is contributing to important research that could lead to earlier and simpler detection of womb cancer for future generations of women. This could potentially improve health outcomes. There are no direct medical benefits for you personally as a result of participating, as the study does not involve new treatments. The risks are very low; samples would be taken during your already planned surgery, so there are no extra surgical risks. Blood or urine samples are standard procedures with minimal risk. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Manchester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical operation to remove a woman's womb (uterus). It's a common procedure done for various medical reasons.

Will taking part in this study affect my planned surgery?

No, taking part will not change your planned hysterectomy operation or how it is carried out. The samples will be collected during your existing surgery.

What are 'methylated biomarkers'?

These are tiny chemical changes on our DNA that researchers believe could act as early warning signs for certain diseases, like cancer.

Do I have to go to extra appointments for this study?

No, there are no extra hospital visits required just for this study. All samples will be collected during your scheduled hysterectomy and possibly with a simple blood or urine test.

Will I get results from my samples?

The results from your individual samples are for research purposes and will not be shared with you or your doctor, as they are not used for diagnosis or treatment decisions.