RecruitingObservational

Description and study of the steroid Metabolome in mucinous ovarian cancer

This research aims to discover better ways to diagnose and track a very rare type of cancer called mucinous ovarian cancer. Doctors need new tools to understand how patients are responding to treatment. The study is investigating if urine tests can be useful by looking for certain substances. There are three main groups of participants: women with ovarian cysts, women who have had mucinous ovarian cancer and finished treatment, and women with certain bowel cancers. Researchers believe that the information gathered could lead to new tests and treatments for ovarian cancer, potentially helping patients in the future. The study involves collecting urine samples at home and at the hospital.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

340

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Mucinous ovarian cancer, mucinous appendiceal and pseudomyxoma peritonei cancer.

What is this study about?

This research project is all about finding new and better ways to understand and diagnose a very rare type of cancer called mucinous ovarian cancer. Currently, it can be quite tricky for doctors to find out exactly where some of these cancers come from, and to know how well treatments are working for patients.

The main idea behind this study is to see if we can use simple urine tests to help. The researchers are looking for special substances in urine that might act as clues for diagnosing the cancer and checking its progress. By studying these substances, they hope to develop new tests that could be really helpful for people with ovarian cancer. They are also comparing results from ovarian cancer patients with those who have certain types of bowel cancer to learn more.

The study is divided into three main groups. One group includes women who are having surgery for growths on their ovaries. Another group involves women who have already been treated for mucinous ovarian cancer, and the third group focuses on women with certain types of bowel cancer. The goal is to collect different types of information and urine samples from these groups to get a complete picture. The ultimate aim is that this research could lead to new tools that doctors can use to diagnose and monitor ovarian cancer more effectively, which would be fantastic for future patients.

Key takeaways

Aims to find new ways to diagnose and monitor a rare type of ovarian cancer.
Investigates if urine tests can identify specific substances linked to the cancer.
Involves collecting urine samples at home over a 24-hour period.
Could lead to future diagnostic tests or treatments for ovarian cancer.
Participation may involve one or several urine collections over two years.
Strict measures are in place to protect your personal information.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to women aged 18 or over. It's important that you understand the study and agree to take part. There are three different parts, and who can join depends on your current health situation.

For the first part, you might be eligible if you are having surgery for a growth on your ovary, or if you have recently been diagnosed with mucinous ovarian cancer and haven't started treatment yet. For the second part, you might be able to join if you have finished your first round of treatment for mucinous ovarian cancer.

Finally, for the third part, you could be eligible if you have a condition called pseudomyxoma peritonei or certain types of appendiceal (bowel) cancers. There are also specific reasons why you might not be able to join, such as if you've recently used hormonal contraception, hormone replacement therapy, or steroid treatments.

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.

Are you a woman aged 18 or older?
Can you understand the study information and give your consent?
Have you been diagnosed with mucinous ovarian cancer, or are you having surgery for an ovarian mass?
Do you have a diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei or certain types of appendiceal cancer?
Have you avoided hormonal contraception, HRT, or steroid treatments in the last three months (this might apply to some parts of the study)?
Have you not started chemotherapy for ovarian cancer yet (if joining the diagnostic part)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first receive a detailed information sheet about the study, and everything will be explained clearly. If you're happy to go ahead, you'll sign a consent form. Then, you'll answer some questions about yourself and your health.

The main thing you'll be asked to do is collect all your urine over a 24-hour period, in your own home, at a time that suits you. You'll be given a special bottle for this. This urine sample will then be collected when you next visit the hospital.

If you're in the first or third part of the study, you'll only need to do this urine collection once. If you're in the second part of the study, you'll be asked to collect urine about every three months for two years. The researchers will try to arrange these collections to fit in with your regular hospital appointments, so it should be as convenient as possible.

Potential risks and benefits

While taking part in this study, you might not feel any direct benefit yourself. However, the information gathered from your samples is incredibly valuable. It could help researchers develop new tests or treatments for ovarian cancer in the future, which would benefit many others. We take great care to protect your privacy, but as with any research involving personal information, there's always a very small risk to keeping your data confidential. We have strict rules and secure systems in place to keep your information safe. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (10)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Birmingham, England
Cardiff ECMC
City only
Cardiff, Wales
Hinchingbrooke Hospital (hinchingbrooke Healthcare Trust)
City only
Huntingdon, England
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust - Queen's Medical Centre Campus
City only
Nottingham, England
The Christie at Home
City only
Manchester, England
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Worthing, England
The Guys and Lewisham NHS Trust
City only
London, England
Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
London, England
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
City only
Stoke-on-trent, England
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Smethwick, England

Common questions

What is mucinous ovarian cancer?

It's a very rare type of cancer that starts in the ovaries. This study is trying to find better ways to diagnose and monitor it.

Why do I need to collect urine?

Researchers are looking for specific substances (called 'biomarkers') in your urine that might help diagnose the cancer or show how treatment is working.

Will I get my test results?

The study aims to gather overall information, not to provide individual test results that would affect your personal medical care.

How long will the study last for me?

It depends on which part of the study you join. Some people collect urine once, while others do so every three months for up to two years, usually during their regular appointments.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by The Eve Appeal and the Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Global Research Fund.

How to find out more

Rachel Iles

r.iles@bham.ac.uk 0121 414 3344 Official trial record

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