Saintes

Researchers are studying the management and follow-up of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), a type of bladder tumor that affects the inner lining and underlying tissue but not the muscle layer. This cancer type accounts for a significant portion of bladder cancer cases in France, with many patients experiencing tumor recurrence within five years. The study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of urine biomarker tests compared to bladder endoscopy, which is the current standard for detecting tumor recurrence. Additionally, it will describe tumor characteristics, patient history, treatments, and regional differences in care. Patients being monitored for NMIBC and undergoing routine care will have their medical details, including prior treatments and urine test results, recorded in a registry. Follow-up includes regular bladder endoscopy exams, with dates and findings noted by urologists. Urine test results taken before biopsies will also be tracked. This observational study will analyze the performance of urine tests by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values, and exploring differences based on tumor grade, stage, and previous treatments. The goal is to include 8000 patients across France over six years. Participants will provide data through medical records and routine exams during their personalized care plans. Urine samples and bladder fibroscopy results will be collected at each follow-up visit to assess test accuracy over a five-year period. Researchers will monitor recurrence-free survival and urine test performance, aiming to identify if urine tests can safely reduce the need for invasive cystoscopy. The study focuses on long-term monitoring to better understand and improve care for NMIBC patients.

Researchers are conducting a large-scale national study in France involving children who were treated for solid tumors before 2000 and before age 19. The study aims to improve understanding of long-term effects caused by cancer and its treatments, including adverse health and social outcomes. The main goal is to estimate risks of such outcomes and help prevent them by providing tailored follow-up care, with the cohort being followed for up to 20 years from 2011. The study collects detailed information from medical records to assess radiation and chemotherapy doses received, vital status and causes of death from national registries, self-reported questionnaires covering social status and quality of life, and health insurance data on medical expenditures. Prior research within the cohort has identified increased risks of second cancers, cardiovascular diseases, thyroid issues, and other long-term effects linked to cancer treatments received during childhood. Participants are involved through data collection from multiple sources including medical records, national registries, questionnaires, and health insurance databases. Researchers monitor health events of interest related to the original cancer diagnosis and treatment exposures. The study measures outcomes like second malignancies, mortality compared to the general population, and various health and social consequences. This comprehensive approach supports improved understanding and care for childhood cancer survivors.

Colorectal cancer mainly affects elderly patients, with over half of new cases in France occurring in those aged 70 or older. Adjuvant chemotherapy has shown benefits in disease-free and overall survival after stage III colon cancer surgery, but its use in elderly patients remains limited. This phase III randomized study explores whether adjuvant chemotherapy improves disease-free survival in elderly patients and which chemotherapy regimen is most effective, addressing concerns about benefits for both unfit and fit elderly patients. Participants will be divided into two groups based on a multidisciplinary evaluation including a geriatrician. One group will receive fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy (LV5FU2 or capecitabine), and the other will receive oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (FOLFOX4 or XELOX). Some patients may be assigned to observation only. Treatments will begin within 12 weeks after surgery. The study also evaluates specific biological markers common in elderly tumors, such as mismatch repair deficiency. During the study, participants will undergo assessments including geriatric questionnaires and medical monitoring. Researchers will track disease-free survival over three years following the last patient's enrollment. Safety and treatment effects will be monitored, with exclusion of patients expected to live less than four years or those unable to comply with follow-up. The study aims to better understand chemotherapy benefits in an elderly population after colon cancer surgery.

Researchers are studying the long-term health outcomes of people living with HIV who are treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). While ART has helped make HIV a chronic condition with survival rates close to the general population, those living with HIV still face higher risks of other health problems, including immune system issues, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and complications from aging. The study also looks at psychiatric, neurological, and social factors affecting these individuals, aiming to better understand overall health beyond just physical symptoms. Participants in this study receive follow-up care based on national guidelines, where demographic, clinical, biological, and treatment data are collected at each hospital visit using a standardized questionnaire. All health events are recorded according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Additionally, a biobank of samples is collected from consenting participants at entry and every two years thereafter to support further research. People in the study will be monitored for up to four years, with annual assessments of socio-demographic characteristics and health status. The study tracks the development of new health problems, monitors the effectiveness and side effects of ART regimens, and gathers comprehensive data on participants’ clinical management. This long-term observation aims to provide a detailed understanding of morbidity and mortality risks in treated HIV patients.