ENACTED: ENdometriAl Cancer deTEction stuDy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
ENACTED: ENdometriAl Cancer deTEction stuDy
IRAS ID
240177
Contact name
Esther Moss
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
It appears that many endometrial cancers arise from polyps, similar to the development of bowel cancers. In clinical practice we are now routinely removing endometrial polyps under direct vision using the Myosure device and as a result we are finding many cancers/pre-cancers that are just confined to polyps and haven't yet spread to the rest of the womb lining. The aim of this study is to identify what genetic factors are driving malignant change in polyps and see whether it is possible to identify a molecular marker that could accurately detect this change. We then want to see whether this marker could be detected on a vaginal smear or swab so that in future women wouldn't have to undergo uncomfortable invasive procedures to remove polyps that are benign and will never become malignant.
Summary of study results:
Only seven patients were recruited to the study due to failure to secure funding to continue with recruitment. The results that were obtained however showed that a vaginal swab, cervical smear and uterine aspiration were all able to collect samples that could be analsyed to look at the protein profile. Of the three different sampling types investigated the highest number of unique proteins were identified with the uterine aspirate sample. Proteins identified included ones that were involved with cell function and regulation, and immune regulation. There was high variability within sample types between different patients, with a broad range in the numbers of proteins identified. The results have given insights into the potential biomarkers and will be used as pilot data for a new study aimed at early detection of uterine/cervical cancer recurrence.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0318
Date of REC Opinion
23 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion