Value of Analysing Under-utilised Leftover Tissue (VauLT)
The VauLT study explores a new way to analyse cancer. We know that cancer within a single tumour can be different in various spots, which sometimes makes it harder to properly diagnose or treat effectively. This study aims to take any leftover tumour tissue after surgery, which would normally be thrown away, and blend it together. This blending process, called homogenisation, creates a more complete sample of the tumour. By studying this blended sample, scientists hope to get a clearer and more representative understanding of the cancer's unique features, which could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat different cancers in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone has surgery to remove a tumour, there's often some tissue left over after the doctors have taken what they need for a diagnosis. Normally, this leftover tissue is simply discarded. However, scientists are exploring if this leftover material could be used to learn more about cancer.
We know that cancer isn't always the same all the way through a tumour – some parts might be slightly different from others. This is sometimes called 'tumour heterogeneity'. Because of these differences, looking at just a small piece of a tumour might not give doctors the full picture. This can make it tricky to understand the cancer completely, which is important for finding the best way to treat it.
This study, called VauLT (Value of Analysing Under-utilised Leftover Tissue), is investigating a new approach. The idea is to take that leftover tumour tissue and blend it up, like making a smoothie. This blending process, called homogenisation, creates a single, more uniform sample that hopefully represents the entire tumour better. Scientists will then compare the information from this blended sample with what they learn from the usual small diagnostic samples. This will help them see if blending the tissue provides a more accurate and complete understanding of the cancer, potentially leading to better tools for diagnosis and treatment in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study uses leftover tumour tissue from surgery.
- It aims to get a more complete picture of a patient's cancer.
- No extra procedures or visits for patients are required.
- The research could lead to better cancer diagnosis and treatment for others.
- Your consent is needed for your tissue to be used.
- You won't directly benefit from the study findings, but others might.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you would need to have had cancer surgery and have some leftover tumour tissue that would otherwise be thrown away. Your doctor and the research team would need to make sure there's enough of this leftover tissue – at least 1 gram of tumour tissue and 1 gram of normal tissue – and that you are over 18 years old. Importantly, you would also need to have given your consent for your tissues to be used for research.
There are a couple of reasons why someone might not be able to join. If the expert who looks at the tissue decides that the remaining tumour sample isn't good enough for the study, then it can't be used. Also, if there's an unusually large amount of leftover tissue (more than 20kg), it wouldn't be included as this is a very rare situation and impractical for this study. The study is open to both men and women who meet these criteria.
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 over 18 years old?
- Have you had cancer surgery recently?
- Is there leftover tumour tissue from your surgery?
- Have you given consent for your leftover tissues to be used for research?
- Is there at least 1 gram of leftover cancer tissue and 1 gram of normal tissue?
What does participation involve?
If you meet the criteria for this study, your participation would involve the research team using a small amount of your leftover tumour tissue after your cancer surgery. This tissue would have been removed during your operation and would otherwise be discarded. You wouldn't need to attend any extra appointments or clinic visits specifically for this study. There will be no additional tests or procedures required on your part. The scientists will simply process and analyse the tissue samples in a lab. There are no medications involved in this study. Your participation is a one-time event related to the use of your tissue, so there's no follow-up period or total duration for you as a patient once the tissue is collected.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'homogenisation'?
It's like blending the leftover tumour tissue to create one uniform sample, which helps scientists get a better overall picture of the cancer.
Will taking part in this study affect my own treatment?
No, this study uses tissue that would normally be thrown away after your surgery, so it won't affect your diagnosis or treatment plan.
Do I need to do anything extra if I join this study?
No, you won't have any extra visits, tests, or procedures. Your involvement is just about allowing your leftover tissue to be used.
Who can join this study?
You need to be over 18, have had cancer surgery, and have some specific leftover tumour tissue that you've consented to be used for research.
What could be the benefit of this research?
The hope is that by understanding cancer better, this research could lead to improved ways of diagnosing and treating cancer for other patients in the future.
How to find out more
Serena Vanzan
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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