RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Analyzing and Solving Exceptional Long-term Survivors in Solid Tumors With Poor Prognosis

This study, called 'Analyzing and Solving Exceptional Long-term Survivors in Solid Tumors With Poor Prognosis', is looking into why some people with very serious cancers live much longer than expected. The cancers being studied are advanced pancreatic cancer, a type of brain tumour called glioblastoma, and small-cell lung cancer. Researchers will compare information from these long-term survivors with that of people who had typical survival times. By examining their medical records, scans, and samples using advanced techniques, the goal is to pinpoint specific differences. This could lead to new discoveries about how these cancers behave and help develop more effective treatments in the future, ultimately improving care for patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Cure 51

Enrolment target

1,020

Start

01 Nov 2023

Estimated completion

01 May 2028

Pancreas Adenocarcinoma Small-cell Lung Cancer Glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype

What is this study about?

This study is trying to understand a very important question: why do some people with certain aggressive cancers, like advanced pancreatic cancer, a type of brain tumour called glioblastoma, and small-cell lung cancer, live much longer than doctors expect? These cancers are known for being very difficult to treat, so finding out what makes some people survive longer could be a game-changer.

To do this, researchers will look back at information from patients who have already been treated. They will compare two main groups: individuals who lived for an unusually long time after their diagnosis (the 'exceptional survivors') and those who had more typical survival times. They'll collect and study a wide range of information, including medical history, scans, and details from tissue samples that were taken during their treatment. They'll use advanced lab techniques to look at things like genes, proteins, and other tiny details within the cancer cells, as well as using artificial intelligence (AI) to help make sense of all this complex information.

The main aim is to find specific patterns or 'signatures' in the long-term survivors that are different from those in others. By identifying these differences in the cancer itself or how the patient's body reacted, the researchers hope to discover new clues about why some people do better. This knowledge could then be used to develop new tests to predict who might respond well to certain treatments, or even to create new medicines tailored to these specific characteristics, offering new hope for future cancer patients.

Key takeaways

Looks at existing medical records and samples.
Studies advanced pancreatic, lung, and brain cancers.
Compares long-term survivors with typical survivors.
Aims to find clues for better treatments.
No direct patient involvement needed.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for information from adults (18 or older when they were first diagnosed) who have already had one of three specific types of cancer: advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a type of brain tumour called glioblastoma IDHwt, or extensive small cell lung cancer.

They are interested in two groups of people: 'long-term survivors' who lived much longer than expected after their diagnosis (at least 5 years for pancreatic and lung cancer, and at least 3 years for glioblastoma). They also need to have had a tumour sample taken that can still be used for detailed testing. The second group is 'control patients' who had more typical survival times for these cancers, but also had a tumour sample available.

In short, if you were an adult diagnosed with one of these cancers in the past, and a tissue sample was collected at the time, your information might be helpful for this research. The study uses existing medical records and samples, so you wouldn't need to do anything new.

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.

Were you diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma (IDHwt), or extensive small-cell lung cancer?
Were you 18 or older at the time of diagnosis?
Did you have a tissue sample (like a biopsy) taken as part of your treatment?
Did you live for at least 5 years (for pancreatic/lung) or 3 years (for glioblastoma) after diagnosis (if you are a survivor)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is focused on analysing information and samples that have already been collected from patients in the past. Therefore, if your information is included in this research, you would not need to do anything new yourself. You wouldn't attend extra appointments, take new medications, or undergo additional tests. The researchers will access your past medical records, scans, and tissue samples (like biopsies that were taken during your treatment) to gather the information they need. There is no direct participation required from living individuals. The study will last as long as it takes the researchers to collect and analyse all the necessary data from the existing records.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study only uses information and samples already collected as part of your past medical care, there are no direct physical risks to you from participating. Your personal information will be handled with strict confidentiality. The main benefit is that the knowledge gained from studying long-term survivors could lead to significant advancements in understanding and treating these difficult cancers in the future. This research could help develop new strategies to improve life expectancy and quality of life for other patients. You always have the right to ask questions about how your data is used and can express concerns if you have any.

Locations (1)

Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Grand Paris
Verified postcode
Villejuif, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of cancers are being studied?

This study focuses on advanced pancreatic cancer, a specific type of brain tumour (glioblastoma IDHwt), and extensive small-cell lung cancer.

Am I a 'long-term survivor' for this study?

For pancreatic and lung cancer, it means living at least 5 years from diagnosis. For glioblastoma, it means living at least 3 years from diagnosis.

Will I have to go to hospital appointments if I'm part of this study?

No, this study only uses information and samples already collected from your past medical care, so you won't need any new appointments or tests.

How will my personal information be kept private?

All your personal information will be handled with strict confidentiality and kept secure by the researchers.

What is the main goal of this research?

The goal is to discover why some people with these aggressive cancers live longer than expected, to help find new ways to treat these diseases in the future.

How to find out more

Wolikow Nicolas, Master

nicolas@cure51.com 0033772042022 Official trial record

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