Active clinical trials for "Neoplasms"

The primary aim of this non interventional study is to assess the independent prognostic role on overall survival of primary tumour 18F-FDG uptake value (SUVmax) measured on 18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) in patients with non-metastatic non-small cell lung cancers treated with curative intent, taking into account the other conventional prognostic factors (performance status, age, sex, disease stage).

Characterization of receptors present in non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas by Reverse Transcriptase- Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) would assist with targeted medical therapy based on the information obtained by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR.

Though it is generally accepted that exposure to sunlight is a major causative factor for skin cancer, the risk for developing melanoma is not directly linked to sun exposure such as in non-melanoma skin cancer. Therefore, a dual pathway has been proposed, distinguishing melanoma that develops on skin that is chronically exposed to sunlight from those that occur on skin that is normally protected. The risk for each type of melanoma is believed to be determined in part by genetic factors. To define these markers reproducibly, the investigators plan to establish a large cohort with comprehensive information regarding sun sensitivity (skin type), history of experienced sun exposure, skin pigmentation phenotypes, total number of nevi, and other types of skin tumors in a central European population. The investigators will obtain blood from all participants for DNA as well as serum analyses. Based on the finding that genetic variants of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene, associated with red hair and fair skin, have been shown to be associated with increased risk for melanoma, particularly those harboring BRAF mutations, the investigators will now focus on the study of recently discovered genetic variants associated with pigmentation. Furthermore, the investigators will study the relation of these variants with oncogenic mutations of melanoma in BRAF, RAS and c-Kit. The study of other genetic variants will follow, once a sufficiently large cohort has been established to reveal an independent genetic risk factor in a multivariate analysis including potential covariates as mentioned above. The identification of genetic risk factors for melanoma will not only help identify individuals with increased risk but also improve our understanding of the molecular background of the development of melanoma.

Recently it has been suggested that specific mutations in the EGFR gene in lung cancer patients is associated with response to a novel drug targeting the EGF system. Recent research also indicates that there is a possible association to the degree of aggressiveness of the disease. The importance of these mutations is controversial, because the data are based on small studies with highly selected patients. In this project the investigators want to study the types and frequencies of EGFR mutations in both untreated and treated patients in a systematic manner and relate this to survival. The thorough registration of patient data in DK enables us to create a strong The investigators expect this knowledge to be of greatest importance for future rational use of drugs targeting the EGF receptors.

The purpose of the study is to create a prospective database of T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (T-LBL) cases in order to conduct an appropriate statistical study as well as to monitor diagnosis and minimal residual disease (MRD), to detect specific genetic profile useful to give advices on therapies, to assess if PET has a prognostic validity on T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (T-LBL).

The investigators' goal is to identify the mutation in the gene that is responsible for the development of segmental dysplastic nevi. To identify the gene the investigators may use a candidate gene approach (i.e. sequence specific genes that are thought to be involved: NRAS, BRAF, etc) or a genome-wide approach trying to implicate regions in the genome (Loss-of-heterozygosity or copy number changes on comparative genomic hybridization).

The aim of this study is to enroll 785 eligible stage II colon cancer patients in order to validate the performance of ColoPrint in estimating 3-year relapse rate. Secondary objectives include comparing the objective risk assessment results from the prognostic profile (ColoPrint) to both the risk assessment based on the ASCO criteria, as well as the Investigator's independent assessment. As this is the first prospective study of ColoPrint, this study will also address the logistics and quality assurance of using ColoPrint in clinical practice. Patient treatment is at the discretion of the physician, adhering to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-approved regimens or a recognized alternative. The enrollment period will be 6 years. It is expected that 1800 to 2400 patients will be enrolled in order to obtain 785 analysable stage II samples from eligible patients. Approximately 25-35 clinical sites will be involved worldwide. The statistical analysis will be performed by Agendia and an independent research institute or hospital. Study Design Extension Study: This will be a prospective study to measure the impact of ColoPrint on adjuvant treatment in stage 2 colorectal cancer patients. After surgery the tumor sample will be shipped in RNA Retain to Agendia. The online Clinical Report Form (CRF) 0 will be completed to document if the patient fulfils the inclusion criteria. Baseline clinical data and the patient and physician chemotherapy intention, patient's perceived recurrence risk and decisional conflict without knowing the ColoPrint result will be entered in CRF 1. After completion of CRF1 the ColoPrint result is released. CRF2 will be completed after the final treatment decision has been made. This CRF will capture the patient and physician chemotherapy intention, patient's perceived recurrence risk and decisional conflict, impact of ColoPrint and the actual treatment the patient will receive. CRF3 will be completed 12 months after enrolment and will capture the patient status, patient's perceived recurrence risk and decisional conflict. CRF4 and 5 will be completed 3 and 5 years after surgery and will capture the patient status. A sample size of 210 stage 2 colon cancer patients is required to detect a 10% overall treatment change (5% significance and 90% power). Reporting of the Results: Blinded Study; The ColoPrint results will not be reported to the physician and/or patient at the time of enrolment. All samples will be stored in a freezer until 550-575 eligible stage II patients have been enrolled. Samples will then be analyzed in one batch in a blinded fashion from the clinical results. Extension Study; The ColoPrint results will be reported to the physician and patient after CRF1 has been completed.

Bladder cancer ranks the ninth in worldwide cancer incidence. Approximate 90% of bladder cancer is the malignancy of urothelium tissues, the urothelial cancer (UC). The mortality of bladder cancer is mainly due to recurrence and metastasis. Unfortunately, the currently available cytology or cystoscopy examination is of limited value because of low sensitivity of early disease. New biomarkers as well as detection technology are thus required to improve early diagnosis. By the aid of quantitative methylation-specific PCR (QMSP), which allows detecting tumor-derived DNA from tissues and body fluids, DNA methylation-based assay is thus developing for early detection and prognosis. The goal of this proposed project is to develop a panel of DNA-methylation based biomarkers for UC diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of responses to therapy (especially the recurrence, invasion, survival, and responses to therapeutic agents). Although numerous studies have investigated the aberrant promoter hypermethylation in bladder cancers or UC, inconsistent results are observed. DNA hypermethylation determination may rely on not only the conditions of QMSP, but also the biopsy specimens of different race, environmental expose factors, and regional variation. We thus need to profile the DNA methylation pattern of UC patients in Taiwan to establish a panel of potential prediction biomarkers for local patients.

The goal of this behavioral research study is to learn if certain sexual behaviors increase the risk for developing head and neck cancers associated with a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV-16). Knowing this information could help doctors better teach patients about avoiding certain risk factors, which may help to prevent the disease.

Surgical resection is the only potential curative treatment available for renal cell carcinoma. The purpose of this study is to clarify the surgical and oncologic outcomes of laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy for localized Renal Cell Carcinoma.