Female reproductive disorders: New insights and new targets
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of key lipids, steroids and inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of female reproductive disorders: New insights and new treatment targets.
IRAS ID
294763
Contact name
Kay Marshall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, REC Reference Number:
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background
An estimated 176 million women worldwide suffer from endometriosis. In endometriosis, cells like those that line the womb (endometrium) grow outside of it to form lesions, typically in the pelvic (peritoneal) cavity. These lesions can cause debilitating pain, reduce fertility and can result in a substantial personal, social and healthcare burden. Even with surgery, current therapies fail to prevent the reappearance of disease, have long-term side-effects and reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. New non-hormonal treatments or local delivery systems are desperately needed.
Unlike endometriosis, endometrial cancer is more common in women over 55 with 9,500 new cases/ year in the UK alone. The current treatment is removal of the womb and ovaries. This radical procedure does not afford family planning choices to those of child-bearing age nor does it benefit women who are medically unfit for surgery.
The aim of this study is to enhance our knowledge of women’s reproductive disorders to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.Eligibility
We plan to collect tissues and biological fluids (e.g. endometrium, fat, blood) from consenting women undergoing routine examination or surgery for gynaecological disorders or for cancer at a Greater Manchester NHS Trust hospital. Any women of reproductive age (16+ years) would be eligible to participate and informed consent would permit a one-off donation. After collection, the research team would transport samples to the University of Manchester for scientific analysis.Research Plan
Hormones, lipids, enzymes and receptors would be measured according to stage of the menstrual cycle, medical conditions and severity of disease. Potential treatments and new formulations would also be tested to:
• Identify their effects on healthy and diseased tissues.
• Optimise targeted delivery.
• Lower therapeutic dose.
This study should advance knowledge of reproductive and hormone-dependent disorders and ultimately help to improve patient health and well-being.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/YH/0266
Date of REC Opinion
30 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion