Protocol for Non-invasive Gynaecological Surveillance in Lynch Syndrome
The PREDI-ENDO study is for people with Lynch syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of certain cancers, including womb (endometrial) cancer. Current checks for womb cancer can be uncomfortable, involving internal exams or tissue samples. This study aims to find simpler, non-invasive ways to screen for cancer. Researchers are comparing easy-to-use tests, like urine samples and self-collected vaginal swabs, with the usual hospital checks. They hope these new methods will be just as good at finding cancer early but much more comfortable and convenient. About 400 women across the UK will take part, helping to make future cancer screening safer and simpler.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Lynch syndrome is a condition passed down in families that makes you more likely to get certain cancers, like bowel and womb cancer. For people with a womb, womb cancer is a particular concern, and it can sometimes be the first cancer to show up. Keeping an eye out for cancer is important, but the current tests for womb cancer can be quite uncomfortable and involve internal procedures.
These standard tests often mean taking tissue samples or having scans inside the body. Because they can be unpleasant and don't always catch cancer early enough, some people find it hard to keep up with their regular check-ups. This is why new, gentler ways of checking for cancer are so important.
This study, called PREDI-ENDO, is exploring whether easier tests could work just as well, or even better. It's looking at simple methods like checking urine samples or using a swab that you can collect yourself from the vagina. The main goal is to compare these new, comfortable tests with the more invasive ones currently used. Researchers hope to find ways to detect cancer early that are much safer, simpler, and more reliable, potentially making regular checks much easier for people with Lynch syndrome in the future.
Key takeaways
- Lynch syndrome increases the risk of womb cancer.
- Current cancer checks can be uncomfortable and invasive.
- This study is testing simpler, non-invasive methods like urine and self-collected swabs.
- The goal is to find easier and more accurate ways to detect womb cancer early.
- Participation involves providing simple samples alongside your usual care.
- This research could make future cancer screening much more patient-friendly.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women aged 18 or over who have Lynch syndrome and still have their womb. You'll need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part.
The study is also open to a small group of women who have recently been diagnosed with a specific type of womb cancer (called mismatch repair deficient endometrial cancer). This helps researchers compare the new tests against known cancer cases.
However, you can't join if you're pregnant, or if you currently have another urogenital cancer (a cancer in your bladder, kidneys, or reproductive organs) that isn't the specific womb cancer mentioned above. If you're already in another trial for cancer risk or screening that might clash with this one, you won't be able to join either.
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.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have Lynch syndrome and still have your womb?
- Are you able to understand the study information and agree to take part?
- Are you currently pregnant? (If yes, you cannot join)
- Are you taking part in another cancer risk or screening study that might conflict with this one? (If yes, you cannot join)
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to provide some simple samples, like a urine sample and a self-collected vaginal swab. These will be done at home or in a clinic, alongside any usual hospital check-ups you might have for Lynch syndrome. The study team will explain exactly how to collect the samples.
You won't need to take any new medicines as part of this study. The main part of your involvement will be providing these samples and attending any planned appointments where you would normally have your usual hospital checks. The researchers will compare the results from the new tests with your standard tests to see how well they work. The total time you'll be involved in the study will depend on your usual check-up schedule, but the goal is to make your participation as easy as possible.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and RepairVerified postcodeEdinburgh, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is Lynch syndrome?
Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that increases your risk of getting certain cancers, especially bowel and womb cancer.
Why is this study important?
It's trying to find easier and more comfortable ways to check for womb cancer in people with Lynch syndrome, as current tests can be unpleasant.
What are 'non-invasive' tests?
These are tests that don't involve going inside your body, like giving a urine sample or using a simple swab you collect yourself.
Will I have to stop my usual hospital checks?
No, you'll continue with your regular hospital checks, and the new tests will be done alongside them.
What kind of samples will I need to provide?
You'll be asked for a urine sample and possibly a self-collected vaginal swab.
How to find out more
Ann M Doust
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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