Aberystwyth

Researchers are evaluating the optimal duration of antibiotic treatment for adults with complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI). This Phase 3 trial aims to compare a fixed extended duration of 28 days of antibiotics to the current standard care durations, which typically range from 7 to 18 days. The study will assess clinical outcomes, quality of life, and cost effectiveness over a 180-day follow-up period to determine which approach may better reduce treatment failure and improve patient care while considering antimicrobial resistance concerns. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the standard care group, where antibiotic type and duration are determined by their clinician, or the fixed extended-duration group, which receives antibiotics for a set 28-day period. The study includes a total of 1166 adult patients recruited from intensive care units and hospital wards across approximately 30 NHS trust hospitals. The treatment period is followed by monitoring up to 180 days after randomization. During the study, patients or their personal consultees will complete quality of life questionnaires at baseline and at 30, 60, and 180 days post-randomization. They will also provide information about antibiotic use and healthcare resource utilization. Researchers will collect hospital records on admissions, relapses, and further infections. The main outcome measured is treatment failure within 180 days of randomization, with safety and effectiveness assessed throughout the follow-up period.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of different dietary intake assessment tools in adults living freely in Great Britain. The study aims to see if combining subjective and objective methods, like wearable cameras, urine and blood samples, and a web-based food questionnaire, improves accuracy in real-life settings. It also explores whether these tools can monitor daily diet accurately, assess nutrient status, and create a low-burden, scalable dietary assessment method. The study plans to include 133 adults and builds on previous controlled clinical research. Participants will take part in a 5-week study period involving their usual diet during weeks 1 and 5 and a controlled test diet during week 3. During weeks 1, 3, and 5, they will use wearable cameras that capture images every 7 seconds, self-collect blood samples on day 4 of each week, and collect morning and evening urine samples for 4 consecutive days. They will also complete an online food frequency questionnaire multiple times, including both long and condensed versions. The study provides all necessary tools, test foods, and instructions for home or work use, with samples and equipment returned by mail or courier. Participants will be involved in screening and welcome activities before the study starts, including consent, training, and baseline sample collection. During the study, researchers will monitor adherence through reminders and communication. Outcome measures include dietary intake data from wearable cameras, blood and urine biomarkers, and questionnaires collected on specific days across the 5 weeks. The study concludes with a usability questionnaire and requires mailing back all samples and equipment. Researchers will analyze the accuracy of integrating these assessment methods in free-living individuals.

Researchers are investigating colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with newly diagnosed stage I, II, and III cancers to evaluate whether mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can predict disease relapse earlier than current methods. This study includes two parts: Part B focuses on analyzing tumor tissue, serial blood samples, and clinical data to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) and predict relapse, while Part C is a randomized study comparing ctDNA-guided adjuvant chemotherapy to standard care in high-risk stage II or III CRC patients post-surgery. In Part B, the study collects serial blood samples from patients who have undergone potentially curative surgery to detect and quantify ctDNA, aiming to identify MRD and predict relapse. Part C randomizes patients after surgery into two groups: one receiving standard adjuvant chemotherapy and the other receiving ctDNA-guided chemotherapy, where those testing ctDNA negative may have chemotherapy reduced. The goal is to assess if ctDNA-guided treatment can safely reduce chemotherapy use without compromising disease-free survival. Participants will undergo tumor tissue collection, blood sampling at multiple time points, and clinical assessments over several years. Researchers will monitor ctDNA levels and clinical outcomes, measuring disease-free survival up to 3 to 6 years. Safety and treatment effects will be evaluated, with follow-up visits to track relapse and treatment response. Total participation includes long-term monitoring for relapse prediction and chemotherapy guidance.