Oxford Pre-cancerous Lymphoproliferative Disorders Study
The Oxford Pre-cancerous Lymphoproliferative Disorders Study (OxPLoreD) is looking into early stages of certain conditions that can sometimes progress to blood or bone marrow cancer. These include early chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS), and smouldering myeloma. The main goal is to understand why some people with these conditions eventually need treatment for cancer, while others don't. Researchers will collect blood, bone marrow, and saliva samples over five years to look for signs (called 'markers') that might predict this. They also want to learn about what it's like to live with these conditions and if they lead to other health problems like infections or blood clots. By finding these markers, doctors hope to better predict who might need treatment earlier and reassure those who are unlikely to develop cancer.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called OxPLoreD, focuses on a group of conditions that are sometimes called 'pre-cancerous lymphoproliferative disorders'. This simply means they are problems with certain white blood cells (lymphocytes) that, in some cases, can turn into a type of blood or bone marrow cancer. However, many people with these conditions never develop cancer or need treatment. Conditions included in this study are early forms of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), Monoclonal B-cell Lymphocytosis (MBL), Monoclonal Gammopathy of Uncertain Significance (MGUS), Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinaemia without symptoms, and Smouldering Myeloma.
Medical experts currently don't have a reliable way to tell who among those with these early-stage conditions will eventually need treatment for cancer, and who won't. This study aims to fill that gap. By carefully observing a large group of people over several years, the researchers hope to find specific 'markers'. These could be things like certain changes in our genes, particular molecules in the blood, or even signs that people notice about themselves. These markers could help doctors predict who is more likely to develop a blood or bone marrow cancer and who isn't.
Ultimately, understanding these markers could change how these conditions are managed. It could help doctors identify people who might benefit from earlier or different treatments. It could also provide reassurance to those who are very unlikely to progress, helping them avoid unnecessary worry or treatments. The study also aims to gather information about what it's like to live with these conditions and if they are linked to other health issues like serious infections or blood clots.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to understand why some early blood conditions progress to cancer and others don't.
- It's an 'observational' study, meaning no new treatments are given.
- You'll be monitored for up to five years, with blood, bone marrow, and saliva samples taken.
- The goal is to find 'markers' that could predict future progression.
- It could help doctors identify who needs treatment and who can be reassured.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you must have been diagnosed in the last three years with one of the following conditions: high-count Monoclonal B-cell Lymphocytosis (MBL), early-stage Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) that doesn't yet need treatment, certain types of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Uncertain Significance (MGUS), Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinaemia without symptoms that doesn't need treatment, or Smouldering Myeloma that also doesn't need treatment.
You must be at least 16 years old. You also need to be well enough to take part, meaning you can generally go about your daily life without too much difficulty, even if you have some symptoms. You'll need to be able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part by signing a consent form.
However, you cannot join if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have previously received chemotherapy or other treatments for these conditions. If you've been referred to a doctor for further checks on some of these conditions due to your GP's concerns or symptoms, you might still be eligible.
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 I been diagnosed in the last three years with early CLL, MBL, MGUS, asymptomatic WM, or smouldering myeloma?
- Am I generally well enough to go about my daily life?
- Am I at least 16 years old?
- Am I not currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Have I not previously received chemotherapy for these conditions?
What does participation involve?
If you join the study, you'll be monitored for up to five years. During this time, you'll have regular visits where researchers will take blood, bone marrow, and saliva samples. These samples will be used to look for the markers mentioned earlier. The visits will be scheduled at key times throughout the study period.
In addition to giving samples, you'll be asked about your experiences of living with your condition. This includes discussing any symptoms you might have, how you're feeling generally, and if you've developed any other health problems like infections or blood clots. The study does not involve taking any new medications; it's purely about observing and collecting information and samples over time. The total duration of your participation will be up to five years.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (17)
- Royal Bournemouth HospitalVerified postcodeBournemouth, United Kingdom
- Russells Hall HospitalVerified postcodeDudley, United Kingdom
- James Paget HospitalVerified postcodeGreat Yarmouth, United Kingdom
- Leicester Royal InfirmaryVerified postcodeLeicester, United Kingdom
- Clatterbridge Cancer CentreVerified postcodeLiverpool, United Kingdom
- Epsom HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
- King's College HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
- St George's HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
- Northern Centre for Cancer CareVerified postcodeNewcastle, United Kingdom
- North Tyneside General HospitalVerified postcodeNorth Shields, United Kingdom
- Queens Medical CentreVerified postcodeNottingham, United Kingdom
- Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals TrustVerified postcodeOxford, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a 'pre-cancerous' condition?
It means a condition that shows some early changes, which in a small number of people, could develop into a type of cancer. Many people with these conditions never get cancer.
Will I receive treatment in this study?
No, this study is 'observational', meaning we are watching and collecting information. It does not involve giving any new treatments or medications.
How often will I need to visit?
You will have regular visits at specific times over five years. The study team will tell you the exact schedule of these appointments.
What happens to my samples?
Your blood, bone marrow, and saliva samples will be used by researchers to look for clues (markers) that might help predict how your condition might develop.
Can I stop being part of the study once I've joined?
Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting the medical care you receive.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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