What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying mixed neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine tumors called GEP-MiNENs and neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), which can be challenging to diagnose early due to the small and deep location of neuroendocrine components. The goal is to improve diagnosis and monitoring by developing a non-invasive liquid biopsy test that detects specific DNA methylation patterns in circulating tumor DNA, offering advantages over traditional tissue biopsies. The study plans to create a DNA methylation-based assay using advanced sequencing technology from Oxford Nanopore Technologies to analyze both DNA sequences and methylation profiles simultaneously. This approach aims to identify tumor-specific epigenetic markers in blood samples, enabling accurate detection and monitoring of these rare and complex tumors. Researchers will compare these profiles with reference cell and tissue maps to improve the test's accuracy. Participants will be monitored over two years as researchers develop the assay, collecting blood samples to analyze circulating tumor DNA and its epigenetic features. The study will measure the ability of the test to detect and track neuroendocrine tumors non-invasively. This research hopes to provide a new tool for earlier diagnosis and better management of these cancers, improving patient care and treatment decisions.

EpigenOMic Determinants of the Neuroendocrine Phenotype As Biomarkers for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms