Analyzing leftover tumor tissue for better cancer diagnosis
Official title: Value of Analysing Under-utilised Leftover Tissue (VauLT)
Run by Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust · NCT03832062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 800 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 10, 2018 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT03832062 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.