RecruitingObservational

Development of a bloodtest for uterine sarcoma monitoring

This study is developing a new blood test for a rare womb cancer called uterine sarcoma, which is often hard to diagnose. Doctors currently don't have a simple blood test to check if this cancer comes back. This research will look for tiny pieces of cancer DNA in blood samples to develop such a test. If successful, this could significantly improve how doctors monitor patients and could lead to better and earlier treatments in the future. Participants will give blood samples every three months, and researchers will also look at their medical records. The study is run by the University of Leicester and funded by The Eve Appeal.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

28 Mar 2028

Uterine sarcoma

What is this study about?

Uterine sarcomas are a uncommon type of cancer that grows in the womb (uterus). They can be tricky to identify because their symptoms can be very similar to common, non-cancerous growths called fibroids. At the moment, doctors don't have a simple blood test to help them keep an eye on these cancers or to detect if they come back after treatment. This means that monitoring usually involves other methods, which can be more involved.

This study aims to develop a new blood test that could make monitoring much easier and more effective. The idea is to find tiny bits of DNA from the cancer that might be circulating in the blood. If this test works, it could help doctors track the cancer better and potentially spot if it returns earlier than currently possible.

While participants won't directly benefit from the test during the study, the information gathered is very important. The results could lead to a valuable new tool for doctors to monitor uterine sarcoma patients in the future, potentially improving their care and treatment options. This research is a collaborative effort between the University of Leicester and The Eve Appeal.

Key takeaways

Developing a new blood test for uterine sarcoma.
Aims to detect cancer DNA in blood to monitor the disease.
Involves giving blood samples every 3 months.
No direct benefit to participants, but could help future patients.
Run by University of Leicester, funded by The Eve Appeal.
For women with a uterine sarcoma diagnosis, aged 18+.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who have already been told they have uterine sarcoma and are currently receiving follow-up medical care for it. You must be 18 years old or older to take part.

Unfortunately, if you are male, under 18, or have not yet been treated for uterine sarcoma, you won't be able to join this particular study. The researchers need participants who have a confirmed diagnosis and are already being monitored.

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.

I have been diagnosed with uterine sarcoma.
I am currently receiving follow-up care for my uterine sarcoma.
I am female.
I am 18 years old or older.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be asked some questions about your background, your health history, your family's health, and any symptoms you might have. You will also need to provide a blood sample every three months. The study will run for three years, from April 2025 to April 2028, so you would be involved for the duration of your follow-up within that timeframe.

The research team will also look at your existing medical records. This includes things like images from your scans and information about the genetics of your tumour. There are no extra hospital visits required beyond your usual follow-up appointments, and no new medications are part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no significant risks involved in taking part in this study. The main involvement is giving blood samples, which might cause a little discomfort or bruising, similar to any other blood test. You won't get any direct personal medical benefits from joining this study. However, the information gathered is vital and could significantly help to improve how uterine sarcoma is monitored and treated for future patients. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

Locations (3)

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

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
City only
Leicester, England
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust - Oxford Covid19 Trials
City only
Bristol, England
The Guys and Lewisham NHS Trust
City only
London, England

Common questions

What is uterine sarcoma?

It's a rare type of cancer that grows in the womb (uterus).

Why is this blood test important?

Currently, there isn't a simple blood test to monitor uterine sarcoma or detect if it comes back. This new test aims to fill that gap.

Will I get my test results?

No, because this is a research study to develop the test, you won't receive individual results from the blood samples taken for the study.

Who is funding this research?

The study is funded by The Eve Appeal, a charity dedicated to gynaecological cancers.

Where is the study taking place?

The study is being run from the University of Leicester in the UK.

How to find out more

Esther Moss

leicestergcrg@le.ac.uk - Official trial record

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