PREDICT-LR GTN

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    PREDICT–LR GTN: Predicting ResistancE In patients treated with ChemoTherapy for low-risk Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia

  • IRAS ID

    347843

  • Contact name

    Victoria L Parker

  • Contact email

    v.parker@sheffield.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Sheffield

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    6 years, 0 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    Aim-We want to help doctors and patients work out more accurately which chemotherapy to use in Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN).

    Background- GTN is a cancer of pregnancy, treated using chemotherapy. We know that the first round of chemotherapy does not work in 1 in 3 low-risk patients. This can rise to 4 in every 5 patients in some cases. If we could recognise these patients earlier, before even starting treatment, doctors could give personalised chemotherapy from the very start. This would avoid the devastating physical and psychological effects of not responding to treatment and the side-effects of treatment that doesn’t work.

    Methods – We are looking at a new way of choosing which chemotherapy to give first in GTN patients. To do this, we will collect blood samples from 155 patients before starting chemotherapy. We will use data about patients (e.g., age, hormone levels) and RNA in their blood samples. RNA is a copy of DNA which makes up the building blocks of our bodies. RNA can be found in blood samples. We will use this to make a model to try and predict how well chemotherapy will work, but this will not change the care that you receive. We have several GTN patients working within our team. This makes sure the study is acceptable and helps those who really need it.

    Output – We hope to build a model that will help doctors and patients to choose the right chemotherapy more accurately, from the very start. The model will not change the way we do things straight away, but it is the first step to making things better for future patients. We will share our findings with patients who have taken part.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    24/EM/0212

  • Date of REC Opinion

    18 Sep 2024

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion