Dunfermline

Researchers are evaluating whether skipping additional axillary treatment for patients with early-stage breast cancer who had cancer in their lymph nodes before chemotherapy but show no remaining cancer in those nodes after treatment is as effective as the standard approach. This study focuses on disease-free survival and reducing the risk of lymphoedema five years after treatment. It is a randomized, open, multicenter trial including patients with specific breast cancer stages and confirmed nodal metastases. Participants will all receive standard therapies including HER2-targeted treatment, endocrine therapy, and radiotherapy to the breast or chest wall if needed. They will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will not get further axillary treatment such as lymph node removal or radiotherapy, while the other group will receive these axillary treatments according to local guidelines. Follow-up visits will occur annually for at least five years. During the study, participants will undergo assessments to monitor disease-free survival and self-reported lymphoedema using specific questionnaires. Additional evaluations include arm function, quality of life, recurrence rates, survival, and cost-effectiveness analyses. The total study duration is planned for 120 months, including setup, recruitment, follow-up, analysis, and reporting.

Researchers are studying the use of Bladder EpiCheck, a urine test, to detect urothelial carcinoma in adults aged 45 years or older who have experienced blood in their urine haematuria. This observational study aims to confirm how accurately the Bladder EpiCheck test identifies urothelial carcinoma compared to standard methods like cystoscopy and pathology when performed. The study focuses on participants undergoing evaluation for haematuria to improve detection methods for bladder-related cancers. Participants will provide a urine sample that will be tested using Bladder EpiCheck. The results of this test will not be shared with the clinical care team or the participant, and their usual medical care will continue unchanged. The study collects data from the standard diagnostic work-up for haematuria, including cystoscopy scheduled within 60 days after enrollment. During the study, participants will provide at least 10 ml of voided urine and undergo standard cystoscopy as part of their routine evaluation. Researchers will assess the sensitivity and specificity of the Bladder EpiCheck test to detect urothelial carcinoma within six months following enrollment. The study includes monitoring for high-grade urothelial carcinoma and compares Bladder EpiChecks performance to urine cytology. Participation requires adherence to study procedures and will continue through the diagnostic process without altering treatment plans.

Alopecia areata AA is a chronic autoimmune condition causing hair loss on the scalp and other body areas, affecting children, adolescents, and adults of all backgrounds. This study focuses on patients aged 12 years and older who are prescribed ritlecitinib, a medication approved for severe AA. Researchers aim to understand patient and disease characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes with ritlecitinib in everyday clinical practice. Participants receive ritlecitinib according to approved guidelines and their doctors judgment, reflecting real-world treatment rather than a controlled trial setting. The study observes patients over time, assessing how the medication is used and its impact on AA symptoms. No placebo or control group is involved, as the study is observational. Throughout the study, patients attend regular clinic visits to monitor their condition, complete questionnaires about their experience and quality of life, and undergo assessments like the Severity of Alopecia Tool SALT score. The main measurement is the percentage change in SALT score after 24 weeks, with additional follow-ups at later weeks to evaluate ongoing effectiveness and patient satisfaction. The total study period extends to April 2028.

This research aims to compare the safety and effectiveness of two minimally invasive treatments for relieving lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH in men aged 50 and older. The study evaluates the temporary iTind device against the permanent UroLift system to determine which approach better manages symptoms related to an enlarged prostate. The iTind device is a self-expanding implant placed temporarily for 5 to 7 days to reshape the prostatic urethra by applying localized pressure. In contrast, the UroLift system involves permanently placed implants that retract the enlarged prostate lobes to widen the urethra. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either the iTind or the UroLift treatment, allowing direct comparison of both devices. Participants will undergo assessments including symptom scoring using the International Prostate Symptom Score IPSS at baseline and multiple follow-up points up to 36 months. Researchers will monitor adverse events, quality of life, and rates of additional interventions. The study will track changes in urinary symptoms and safety outcomes through regular visits over several years, ensuring thorough evaluation of both devices impact.