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Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm problem worldwide and increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, and death. Researchers expect its prevalence to rise, especially in people over 65 years old, with about one in three developing atrial fibrillation. Electrocardioversion is a procedure that restores normal heart rhythm but often results in the arrhythmia returning within a short time. This trial aims to study whether inflammation plays a role in this recurrence and if treating it can reduce the return of atrial fibrillation after electrocardioversion. The trial compares two groups one receives a daily oral dose of 0.5 mg Colchicine for three months, taken in the morning without a loading dose, alongside their usual treatments. The other group receives a matched placebo. This is a randomized, triple-blind Phase 3 study evaluating the effect of low-dose Colchicine on preventing atrial fibrillation recurrence after electrocardioversion. Participants will be monitored for recurrence of atrial fibrillation over six months following electrocardioversion. Researchers will assess the number of arrhythmia recurrences at one, three, and six months, the time to any repeat electrocardioversion, use of antiarrhythmic drugs, and hospitalizations. Safety and overall wellbeing will also be followed during this period, with the main outcome focused on arrhythmia recurrence within six months.

Researchers are evaluating two surgical techniques for treating recurrent patellar dislocation, a condition where the kneecap repeatedly slips out of place. This study compares a new dynamic medial patellofemoral ligament MPFL reconstruction method developed by Becher, designed to address common complications of the traditional static technique, with the established static MPFL reconstruction method. The goal is to assess how well each method prevents patella instability and improves quality of life. The study involves two groups one receiving the static MPFL reconstruction using a graft attached to the femoral and patellar bones with tunnels, screws, or anchors, and the other receiving the dynamic reconstruction where part of a hamstring muscle is repositioned to allow the kneecap to adjust dynamically during muscle contraction. Both techniques use the gracilis tendon, and participants undergo surgery followed by monitoring for up to 24 months. Participants will be assessed before surgery, during hospitalization, and at several follow-ups over two years. Researchers will measure knee function, pain levels, muscle strength, gait symmetry, and rates of patella dislocation or revision surgery. The study also tracks hospital stay length, operation time, complications, and quality of life scores. This comprehensive evaluation aims to determine which surgical method offers better outcomes for patients with patellar instability.

Researchers are studying the use of vacuum-assisted biopsy VAB to better detect remaining breast cancer tissue after neoadjuvant chemotherapy NAC, which is a common initial treatment for breast cancer. NAC can lead to complete disappearance of the tumor in aggressive cancer types, but current imaging methods cannot reliably predict if any cancer remains. This study aims to compare the accuracy of tissue samples taken by VAB before surgery to the standard surgical tissue samples to see if VAB can serve as a less invasive way to check for residual cancer. Participants will undergo ultrasound- or mammography-guided VAB to sample tissue from the former tumor site after NAC and before standard breast surgery. The trial focuses on patients with certain breast cancer types who show a complete or near-complete response on imaging after chemotherapy. After the biopsy, participants will have breast conserving surgery or mastectomy, and both biopsy and surgical samples will be examined to evaluate the presence of residual cancer. During the study, patients will be monitored closely with imaging before VAB and surgery, and the tissue samples will be analyzed for residual disease. Researchers will measure how accurately VAB detects residual cancer compared to surgery by assessing sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. Safety will be monitored from the biopsy until two weeks after surgery. The total time from registration to outcome measurement is up to six weeks.

Researchers are investigating whether coaching in goal-directed behavior can improve the success of cognitive rehabilitation in people with Multiple Sclerosis MS, who often face cognitive difficulties such as memory problems, concentration issues, and slower processing speed. This study focuses on enhancing cognitive functioning and quality of life through personalized, app-based training programs that consider individual personality traits, particularly conscientiousness. The study is a controlled, longitudinal, multicenter trial conducted in the Netherlands, USA, and Switzerland, funded by the National MS Fund and led by Leiden University.

Researchers are studying the safety and effects of a new drug called TOP-N53 solution when applied directly to open fingertip wounds digital ulcers in people with systemic sclerosis, a rare disease causing thickened skin and blood vessel problems. This Phase 2a trial also examines whether different doses of TOP-N53 can improve symptoms like blood flow, itch, pain, redness, bruising, and bleeding at or near the wounds. Participants aged 18 to 69 with systemic sclerosis and digital ulcers may take part, and the study allows concurrent use of Sildenafil 20 mg if stable. Participants will receive one or two treatments of either placebo or varying strengths of TOP-N53 applied topically to the fingertip ulcer. The study uses a sequential design where higher doses are given only after confirming safety at lower doses. Treatments include 3-hour and 24-hour exposures to different TOP-N53 concentrations or placebo. The trial involves up to five treatment steps with specific dosing regimens, including a placebo control. During up to 8 visits over a maximum of 31 days, including 2 possible telephone visits, participants will be monitored for safety and treatment effects. Assessments include physical exams, questionnaires about symptoms such as pain and itching recorded in diaries, and clinical evaluations of the ulcers redness, bruising, hemorrhage, edema, and infection. Researchers will track adverse events and other outcomes for up to 37 days following the first treatment to understand the drugs impact and tolerability.

Researchers are studying whether weekly acupuncture sessions over eight weeks can help reduce psychological distress in breast cancer patients who have recently finished their main treatments. This trial focuses on women transitioning into survivorship, a vulnerable period marked by increased stress, fear of cancer returning, and feelings of isolation. The study compares acupuncture with standard care, aiming to see if acupuncture lowers stress and improves quality of life and other mental health factors. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either eight weekly acupuncture sessions or standard supportive care, which may include psychosocial support or support groups. Those in the control group will have access to acupuncture after completing the initial assessment period. The acupuncture involves both body and ear treatments delivered once a week during the intervention. During the study, participants will undergo assessments of distress, quality of life, anxiety, depression, resilience, fatigue, cognitive function, therapy adherence, and any adverse events. Distress levels are measured before and after each acupuncture session, with primary outcomes evaluated after the eight-week intervention. The study will monitor these effects to understand the potential benefits and impacts of acupuncture during breast cancer survivorship.

Gastroentero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours GEP-NETs are rare cancers arising from the neuroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. These tumours share common clinical features but their cell biology and mechanisms are not well understood, limiting targeted treatments. The SwissNET registry is designed to collect detailed information to better understand GEP-NETs and improve management strategies in Switzerland. This study collects data prospectively from patients diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumours confirmed by tissue analysis, regardless of the tumours original location. Data entry is anonymized and gathered from hospitals and general practitioners across Switzerland. A study nurse visits contributing centers to review patient files, and a review board addresses conflicting information. The registry monitors treatment approaches including surgery, medical therapy, and peptide-receptor radionuclide therapy. Participants provide informed consent for their data to be included. Researchers regularly evaluate patient outcomes such as tumour-related mortality and hospitalisation rates every five years. The registry also tracks the incidence of GEP-NETs in Switzerland and the effects of different treatments over time. This ongoing data collection aims to improve understanding and guide future care for patients with neuroendocrine tumours.