RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Study Looking at Biomarkers in Ovarian Cancer

This study is gathering samples, like blood, tumour tissue, and other fluids, from individuals who have been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. The main goal is for researchers to identify markers within these samples that can give us a better understanding of how the cancer behaves and how it might respond to different treatments. Importantly, the results found from testing these samples will be shared with the patient's doctors. This information could then help their medical team make more informed decisions about the best way to treat their cancer. By learning more about these cancers, the study hopes to improve future care for people with this condition. This is a research study and not a new treatment trial.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

510

Start

08 Jan 2018

Estimated completion

08 Jun 2028

Gynecologic Cancer

What is this study about?

This study is focusing on advanced ovarian cancer, a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries. The main aim is to collect different types of samples from people with this condition, such as blood, tumour tissue, and other body fluids. Researchers will then carefully examine these samples to find 'biomarkers'. These biomarkers are like special clues or signals within the body that can tell us more about the cancer, including how it grows and how it might react to treatments.

The information gathered from these tests is really important because it will be given directly to the patient's doctors. This means that the medical team might be able to use these new insights to help guide their decisions about the best treatment plan for that individual. It's a way of trying to personalise care based on the specific characteristics of their cancer.

Ultimately, by learning more about these specific cancers, the study hopes to contribute to a better understanding of advanced ovarian cancer. This could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for future patients in the long run. It's a stepping stone towards more effective and tailored care.

Key takeaways

This study collects samples (blood, tissue, fluids) from people with advanced ovarian cancer.
The goal is to find 'biomarkers' to better understand cancer and treatment responses.
Information from sample tests will be shared with your doctor to help guide your care.
It's a research study, not a new treatment, aiming to improve future cancer care.
Participation involves providing samples, usually during existing appointments or procedures.
You can stop taking part at any time without affecting your medical treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must have been diagnosed with a specific type of advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, which are all related. You need to be at least 18 years old and in generally good health, meaning you can perform most of your usual daily activities without too much difficulty. Doctors will check that you are well enough by looking at your general health (this is called an ECOG performance status of 0-1) and that you are expected to live for at least another six months.

Crucially, you must be willing to provide different samples for the study. This might include giving blood, having a small piece of your tumour taken (a biopsy), or allowing other fluid collections. If you're having surgery for your cancer, you'd need to agree that a small part of the removed tumour can be used for this research. If your cancer has come back or progressed, the study also needs to be able to look at old tissue samples from when you were first diagnosed (called archival tissue).

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have very early-stage ovarian cancer, or if your cancer is a different type than the one being studied. You also can't take part if there's a medical reason why you shouldn't have a biopsy or give blood samples.

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 advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.
I am 18 years old or older.
I am generally well and active in my daily life.
I am willing to provide blood and/or fluid samples for research.
If I am having surgery, I agree to allow a small part of my tumour to be used for the study.
If my cancer has progressed, there are old tissue samples available from my initial diagnosis.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, your main contributions will involve providing different types of samples. This could include giving blood samples, having a small piece of your tumour collected (known as a biopsy), and/or providing samples of other bodily fluids. The exact samples needed will be discussed with you fully.

If you are having surgery for your cancer, a small part of the tissue removed during the operation will be used for the study. If your cancer has progressed or returned, existing stored tissue samples from your initial diagnosis may also be used. You will also have additional blood or fluid collections as requested by the study, which would happen during your regular clinic visits or at specific study appointments. The total duration of your participation will depend on your individual medical care and how long your doctors feel your samples would be useful for the study's ongoing research.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit of gaining more detailed information about your specific cancer, which your doctor could use to help guide your treatment decisions alongside standard care. However, it's important to understand this is a research study, and there's no guarantee it will directly change your personal treatment or improve your health. Risks are generally low and involve the usual discomfort or minor bruising from blood draws and, if applicable, the small risks associated with a tumour biopsy, which your medical team will explain fully. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your medical care.

Locations (7)

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
Verified postcode
Barrie, Canada· Recruiting
Juravinski Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada· Active not recruiting
Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
Kingston, Canada· Recruiting
London Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Recruiting
The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'biomarker'?

Biomarkers are like special clues found in your body, such as in blood or tissue. They can tell researchers and doctors more about your cancer, like how it's behaving or how it might respond to treatments.

Will taking part in this study change my cancer treatment?

It's possible that the information gained from your samples could help your doctor make more informed decisions about your treatment. However, your doctors will always decide your care based on what's best for you, and participating does not guarantee changes to your treatment.

Do I have to have an extra medical procedure for this study?

You would need to agree to provide samples. This might mean giving additional blood samples or, if your doctor recommends a tumour biopsy anyway, a small part of that sample could be used for the study. Any procedures would be fully explained beforehand.

Will I get paid for taking part?

Generally, patients are not paid for participating in studies like this, which focus on collecting samples for research. Any expenses you might have, such as travel, would be discussed with you.

What happens if I change my mind about participating?

You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any point, and for any reason. Your decision will not affect the medical care you receive from your doctors.

How to find out more

Amit Oza, M.D.

amit.oza@uhn.ca 416-946-2818 Official trial record

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