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Researchers are conducting a prospective, multicenter study called CollectNET 2.0 by BE-FORCE to collect liquid biopsy samples from patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). The goal is to create a large biobank for current and future analyses of circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA). The study includes two groups: a Regular Sampling Group for all NEN patients with measurable tumor burden, and an Intensive Sampling Group for patients starting first-line systemic treatment with specific NEN types from pancreatic, colorectal, or small intestinal origin. The study aims to validate new ccfDNA analysis techniques and explore their potential as biomarkers for patient follow-up. Participants will have up to four additional blood tubes collected at each sampling timepoint, including three Streck Cell-Free DNA tubes and one PAXgene Blood RNA tube. All patients with measurable tumors in participating hospitals join the Regular Sampling Group. Those eligible for the Intensive Sampling Group are followed more closely during first-line treatment for up to three years or until disease progression, after which they return to the Regular Sampling Group. Samples from both groups will be used for different research objectives, including validating novel ccfDNA assays and monitoring tumor DNA levels over time. During the study, researchers will analyze blood samples to assess the presence and amount of circulating tumor DNA and monitor changes over time. They will correlate these findings with tumor progression based on imaging criteria. The study will follow participants for up to five years after consent, collecting data to evaluate the predictive value of ccfDNA as a biomarker. Blood samples are biobanked for future research projects, and the study involves monitoring patients' tumor burden and treatment responses through liquid biopsies and clinical follow-up.

Researchers are studying patients with advanced, non-functioning gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP NET) who have progressive disease despite first-line treatment with somatostatin analogs (SSA). This phase 4 trial aims to compare outcomes in patients who either continue or stop SSA treatment when starting second-line therapy. Patients are assigned to one of two groups based on the second-line treatment chosen by their doctor: peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) or targeted therapy. The study also considers tumor grade using the Ki67 marker to help stratify patients. Participants will receive somatostatin analog treatment every 4 weeks. At the start of second-line therapy, patients in each substudy will be randomly assigned to either continue their SSA treatment or stop it. The targeted therapy group may receive drugs like sunitinib or everolimus, while the PRRT group will receive Lutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide. The trial examines how continuing or stopping SSA affects patients during their new treatment. Throughout the 18 months following the start of second-line therapy, patients will be monitored using imaging scans assessed by blinded investigators to evaluate progression-free survival. Researchers will also measure the time until disease worsening. Safety and patient status will be closely followed to understand the impact of continuing versus stopping SSA during second-line treatment. This participation involves regular visits and assessments to track disease progression and treatment effects.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are rare and require specialized diagnosis and treatment, making clinical care challenging. To improve care, a hospital network called NETwerk was created, involving multiple hospitals including University Hospital Antwerp and others. This study aims to understand the quality of life of NET patients within this network to help enhance the quality of care they receive. Patients diagnosed with or suspected of having NET will participate by completing three questionnaires: the QLQ-C30, QLQ-GI.NET21, and a satisfaction survey. These questionnaires focus on quality of life and satisfaction with care. The QLQ-C30 and QLQ-GI.NET21 will be filled out every six months at home over a five-year period, while the satisfaction survey is completed at the start of the study. Throughout the study, researchers will measure participants' quality of life using the questionnaires over five years. Patients will complete the surveys remotely, allowing ongoing monitoring of their wellbeing and satisfaction with care. This long-term follow-up aims to gather detailed data to optimize treatment and support for those living with neuroendocrine tumors.

Scars can result from physical trauma, surgical incisions, burns, and acne, with deep skin injuries sometimes causing problematic scars like hypertrophic or keloid scars. These scars may cause pain, itching, functional issues, and aesthetic concerns, impacting quality of life. Researchers aim to better understand how mechanical forces applied through extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) influence scar healing, especially after surgeries such as abdominoplasty and breast reduction, since the best treatment approach and mechanism behind ESWT's benefits remain unclear. In this study, patients who have postsurgical scars from abdominoplasty will receive focused ESWT treatments. The therapy will be applied once a week for 10 weeks in three different intervention groups, varying energy levels and timing during scar formation phases. A control group without ESWT will also be studied to compare effects. ESWT is a non-invasive, outpatient treatment aimed at activating cellular pathways involved in scar healing by controlled mechanical loading. Participants will undergo biopsies before and after treatment to analyze cellular and molecular changes in scars, including markers like myofibroblasts, macrophages, collagen types, and signaling proteins. Physical scar characteristics such as redness, thickness, pliability, pain, and overall quality of life will be assessed through objective and subjective measurements. This comprehensive approach will help link cellular changes with clinical scar improvements and guide future scar management therapies.