RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Tissue Collection Framework To Improve Outcomes In Solid Tumours

This research focuses on understanding why solid tumours spread throughout the body and become resistant to cancer treatments. Despite advancements, many patients experience their cancer returning or treatments becoming ineffective. Researchers will collect tissue samples, including blood and tumour tissues, from patients with solid tumours treated at Barts Health NHS Trust. These samples will be analysed using the latest technologies to identify molecular changes that drive cancer growth, spread, and drug resistance. The insights gained from this study could lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments, new ways to prevent drug resistance, and better tests to predict which therapies will be most beneficial for individual patients. The study aims to improve outcomes for people living with cancer.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

3,000

Start

01 Sep 2013

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2043

Solid Tumours

What is this study about?

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, doctors often have several treatments they can offer. While these treatments have come a long way and can help many people, sometimes cancer cells find ways to spread to other parts of the body (this is called metastasis) or stop responding to treatments over time. When treatments stop working, it's called drug resistance, and it's a major challenge in cancer care.

This study aims to understand why this happens. We want to find out what makes cancer cells spread and what allows them to become resistant to even the strongest medications. To do this, researchers will carefully collect samples from patients with solid tumours. These samples might include pieces of tumour tissue and blood, which are already being collected as part of their routine care at Barts Health NHS Trust.

Once collected, these samples will be examined in the laboratory using very advanced technologies. By looking closely at the tiny components within the cells, researchers hope to discover the exact 'faults' or changes that allow cancer to grow, spread, and resist treatment. The information we learn from this study could be incredibly valuable. It might help us develop new and better treatments that can prevent drug resistance or overcome it. It could also lead to new tests that help doctors predict which treatment will work best for each individual patient and cause the fewest side effects.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand why solid tumours spread and become resistant to treatment.
Uses existing tissue samples collected during routine cancer care.
No extra tests or procedures for participants.
May lead to better treatments and personalised care in the future.
Participation will not affect your regular medical care.
You can withdraw at any time without affecting your treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you must be an adult aged 18 or over. You need to have been diagnosed with a solid tumour and be receiving your cancer care at Barts Health NHS Trust. It's important that you are able to understand what the study involves and are willing to give your agreement to take part.

You can still join this study even if you are already participating in another clinical trial. The main thing is that you are well enough to take part and can understand the information about the study.

However, if you have other serious health problems that the study doctors believe would make it unsafe for you to participate, or if you have a mental health condition that would prevent you from understanding the study and giving informed consent, you would not be able to join. The doctors will discuss all these points with you to make sure it's the right choice.

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 a 'solid tumour'?
Are you receiving your cancer care at Barts Health NHS Trust?
Can you understand information about the study and agree to take part?
Do you feel well enough to participate in a research study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it's not expected to involve any extra visits or procedures beyond what you would normally have for your cancer care. Researchers will collect tissue samples (like tumour pieces or blood) that are already being taken as part of your routine diagnostic tests or treatment at Barts Health NHS Trust. For example, if you're having a biopsy or surgery, a small part of the tissue removed might also be used for this research.

These samples will be collected at different stages of your treatment, from your diagnosis through to if or when your cancer unfortunately becomes resistant to treatment. Once collected, the samples will be sent to a lab for special tests. Any leftover tissue will be safely stored for future research. This study is focused on collecting samples and analysing them; you won't be given any new medications or treatments specifically for this research, and there are no extra follow-up appointments required. The aim is to learn from your samples over the course of your standard care.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study is unlikely to involve direct benefits to you personally, as it's a research study aimed at understanding cancer better. However, the information gained could greatly benefit future cancer patients by leading to more effective treatments and better diagnostic tools. Since this study uses samples already collected during routine medical procedures, there are no additional risks associated with the sample collection itself. Your right to withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason, will always be respected and will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

St Bartholomew's Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of cancer does this study look at?

This study focuses on people diagnosed with what are called 'solid tumours,' which means cancers that form a lump or mass, rather than blood cancers.

Will I have to have extra tests or procedures if I join?

No, you won't need any extra tests or procedures. The study will use tissue samples that are already being collected as part of your normal cancer care.

How will my samples be used?

Your samples will be used for special laboratory tests to understand why cancer cells grow, spread, and become resistant to treatment. Any leftover samples will be stored securely for future research.

Will taking part affect my regular medical care?

No, participating in this study will not affect the medical care or treatment you receive from your doctors.

Can I change my mind after I join the study?

Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Thomas Powles

bci-orchidtrials@qmul.ac.uk 0207 882 8762 Official trial record

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