RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Precision Medicine Approaches for Neoadjuvant Therapy in High-risk Sarcoma Patients

This research is looking for better ways to treat a type of cancer called sarcoma, specifically high-risk cases. The main goal is to find more personalised treatments, especially those given before surgery, known as neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The study involves collecting health information and tissue samples from patients who are having sarcoma removed. Some patients will go straight to surgery, while others will have chemotherapy first. By studying these different groups, researchers hope to understand which treatments work best for different people with sarcoma, leading to more effective and tailored care in the future. This is a collaborative study involving hospitals in the UK and other countries.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

800

Start

19 Nov 2021

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2028

Sarcoma Sarcoma, Leiomyo-, Adult Sarcoma, Synovial, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS)Soft Tissue Sarcoma Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Trunk and Extremities Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Limb Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Liposarcoma, Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma Leiomyosarcoma (LMS)Angiosarcoma

What is this study about?

This study is focused on improving how we treat a group of cancers called sarcomas, which are types of cancer that can develop in bones, muscles, fat, and other soft tissues. Specifically, it's looking at people with 'high-risk' sarcomas, which generally means the cancer is larger or more aggressive. The researchers want to find new, more personalised ways to treat these cancers, especially treatments given before surgery. This type of treatment, called neoadjuvant chemotherapy, aims to shrink the tumour before it's removed, which can make surgery easier and more successful.

The study is collecting information and tissue samples from two groups of patients. One group will have surgery to remove their sarcoma. The other group will have chemotherapy first to shrink the tumour, and then surgery. By comparing these groups, the scientists hope to learn more about how different treatments affect different types of sarcoma. This will help them develop 'precision medicine' approaches, meaning treatments that are specifically chosen to work best for each individual patient.

This is a big team effort, involving hospitals in the UK and other countries. The goal is to speed up the discovery of better, more tailored treatments for people with high-risk sarcomas. All patient information and samples are handled very carefully to protect privacy and follow strict rules.

Key takeaways

This study aims to find better, more personalised treatments for high-risk sarcoma.
It uses existing medical information and tissue samples from patients.
The research helps understand which treatments work best for different people.
It's a big team effort involving hospitals in the UK and other countries.
Participation means contributing to future improvements in cancer care.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would generally need to be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with a high-risk soft tissue sarcoma, meaning the tumour is either larger than 5cm or has a higher grade (more aggressive type). The cancer must also be in a place where a sample can be taken for testing, and it needs to be possible to remove it with surgery. You should also be well enough to undergo surgery and any chemotherapy if that's part of your treatment plan, and able to give your informed consent to take part.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've had another type of cancer in the last five years (though some very low-risk cancers might be an exception), or if your cancer has spread widely to other parts of your body and can't be cured by local treatments like surgery. You also shouldn't have any serious uncontrolled health problems that would make it unsafe for you to participate.

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 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with high-risk soft tissue sarcoma?
Is your sarcoma in a place that can be sampled and removed by surgery?
Are you generally well enough for surgery and chemotherapy (if needed)?
Have you had no other spreading cancer in the last 5 years?
Are you able to give your clear permission to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is mainly an 'observational' study, which means researchers are watching and collecting information from your existing medical care, rather than giving you new, unproven treatments. If you qualify and agree to take part, the researchers will collect details about your sarcoma, your treatment, and your health from your medical records. They will also use tissue samples, like those taken during a biopsy or surgery, that are already part of your care.

Some patients will have surgery directly, while others will receive chemotherapy before surgery, followed by surgery. The study will not change the standard treatment you receive, but it will help researchers understand why certain treatments work better for some individuals. Your information and samples will be sent to specific labs for further analysis, but your privacy will always be protected. There are no extra visits or medications specifically for this study beyond your usual care, and the duration of your involvement will depend on your treatment pathway and follow-up.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study does not involve any new treatments or procedures, so there are no additional medical risks beyond your standard care. The main benefit is that you would be contributing valuable information that could help scientists develop more personalised and effective treatments for future patients with sarcoma. There is no direct personal benefit from taking part, but your contribution is vital to medical progress. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

The Royal Marsden Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'sarcoma'?

Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that grows in soft tissues like muscle, fat, nerves, and blood vessels, or in bones.

What does 'high-risk' sarcoma mean?

High-risk means the sarcoma might be larger or more aggressive, and it needs careful treatment.

What is 'neoadjuvant therapy'?

This is treatment, like chemotherapy, given before surgery. It's meant to shrink the cancer and make surgery more successful.

Will I get special treatment if I join?

No, you will receive standard medical care. This study is about understanding existing treatments better, not testing new ones on you directly.

How is my privacy protected?

Your medical information and samples will be made anonymous (pseudonymised) so you cannot be identified, and handled according to very strict privacy rules.

How to find out more

Stephanie Elston, MSc

panthrs.trial@rmh.nhs.uk 02073528171 Official trial record

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