Analyzing leftover tumor tissue for better cancer diagnosis
Value of Analysing Under-utilised Leftover Tissue (VauLT)
This study is testing if blending leftover tumor tissue from cancer surgeries can help create better samples for diagnosing cancer more accurately.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 800 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Trial ID | NCT03832062 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the feasibility of homogenizing leftover tumor tissue from cancer surgeries to create a more representative sample for molecular analysis. By blending excess tissue that would otherwise be discarded, the study aims to assess how many surgical cases have usable leftover tissue and pilot the homogenization process across various tumor types. The molecular profiles obtained from these homogenized samples will be compared to those from standard diagnostic specimens using advanced sequencing techniques.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old who have undergone cancer surgery and have leftover formalin-fixed tumor tissue available for analysis.
Not a fit: Patients with inadequate tumor samples as determined by advanced practitioners or those with excessive leftover tissue (greater than 20kg) may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the accuracy of cancer diagnostics and improve treatment strategies by providing a more comprehensive understanding of tumor heterogeneity.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of utilizing leftover tissue for enhanced analysis is promising, this specific approach of homogenization as a companion diagnostic tool is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Leftover formalin-fixed tissue (ie that would be otherwise discarded by histopathology) from cancer surgery. 2. Tissues for Research consent has been provided. 3. Patient age \>18yo. 4. Minimum of 1 gram of residual tumour remaining in leftover surgical tissue 5. Minimum of 1 gram of normal tissue present. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Advanced Practitioner in histological dissection deems tumour sample to be inadequate. 2. Leftover surgical tumour tissue greater than 20kg.
Where this trial is running
London
- Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Serena Vanzan
- Email: vault@rmh.nhs.uk
- Phone: 020 3186 5161
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.