Using methylation patterns to classify solid tumors
Implementation of the Methylome in the Characterization of Solid Tumors
This project will test whether DNA methylation profiling of tumor tissue can better classify and guide care for people with gliomas, endometrial, or endocrine tumors.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bologna, BO) |
| Trial ID | NCT07268066 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational project will collect tumor tissue from 180 patients (60 CNS tumors, 60 endometrial carcinomas, 60 endocrine tumors) and extract DNA from FFPE sections. Samples will undergo targeted NGS and genome-wide DNA methylation profiling using Illumina arrays to generate methylome data. Researchers will correlate methylation-based tumor classes with clinical parameters, treatment responses, and survival to identify clinically relevant subgroups. The team plans to develop interdisciplinary diagnostic protocols to implement methylation-based classification in routine pathology workflows.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with a confirmed glioma, malignant thyroid neoplasm, or endometrial carcinoma who have adequate archived FFPE material (at least three 10 µm sections) available for analysis.
Not a fit: Patients without sufficient tumor tissue or those with tumor types outside the specified groups are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, methylation-based classification could give more accurate diagnoses and identify new markers or targets that help guide treatment decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Methylation profiling has already improved diagnostic precision for central nervous system tumors and is being explored for other solid tumors, so the approach combines established and novel elements.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed diagnosis of one of the following types of cancer: gliomas, malignant thyroid neoplasms, or endometrial carcinomas (according to the WHO Nomenclature) * Availability of adequate material for analysis at the laboratory, specifically availability of at least 3 sections of 10 µm of FFPE Exclusion Criteria: * no
Where this trial is running
Bologna, BO
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Univesitaria di Bologna — Bologna, Bo, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Giovanni Tallini, Prof.
- Email: giovanni.tallini@ausl.bologna.it
- Phone: +39 338 9763329
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.