Shrewsbury

This is a Phase III open-label study to assess if camizestrant improves outcomes compared to standard adjuvant endocrine therapy for patients with ER+/HER2- early breast cancer with intermediate-high or high risk for disease recurrence who completed definitive locoregional therapy (with or without chemotherapy). The planned duration of treatment in either arm of the study is 7 years. Eligible patients must have intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence as defined by specified clinical and biologic criteria. Concurrent use of abemaciclib is permitted in both arms. The primary endpoint of the study is Invasive breast cancer-free survival (IBCFS) and main secondary endpoints include Invasive disease-free survival (IDFS), Distant relapse-free survival (DRFS), Overall survival (OS), Safety and Clinical Outcome Assessments (COAs). Patients will be followed for 10 years from randomization of the last patient.

Researchers are evaluating the use of Targeted Sentinel Node Biopsy (TSNB) in patients with breast cancer who have limited nodal disease. This study focuses on patients with biopsy-confirmed axillary nodal metastases and aims to audit surgical outcomes of TSNB against sentinel node biopsy outcomes, arm lymphoedema rates, and disease progression. The research highlights the importance of assessing nodal tumour burden and compares TSNB with other treatments like axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and axillary radiotherapy (ART). Previous trials like AMAROS, OTOASOR, and POSNOC provide background on nodal treatment strategies and outcomes. Participants will undergo TSNB during primary surgery, where at least three lymph nodes, including a marked biopsy-proven positive node, are removed. Node marking can be done at biopsy or a separate visit using various techniques such as clips, dyes, or magnetic markers. The procedure follows a standardized approach adapted from the ATNEC trial, with either dual- or single-tracer sentinel node biopsy methods. If the marked node is not found or multiple black nodes appear, removal may stop after four nodes. The study focuses on patients with one or two macrometastases identified in the removed nodes. During the study, patients will be monitored for outcomes including the number of nodal macrometastases over 12 to 60 months, the identification rate of the marked node, and the false negative rate of the TSNB procedure. Arm lymphoedema will also be assessed up to 60 months. This audit collects data to benchmark surgical outcomes and evaluate arm morbidity and disease progression compared to existing trials, aiming to establish TSNB as a reliable staging method in this patient group.

Researchers are evaluating whether avoiding further axillary treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is as effective as standard axillary treatment for patients with early stage breast cancer who initially had cancer in the lymph nodes confirmed by needle biopsy but show no residual cancer in the lymph nodes after NACT. The study aims to determine if skipping axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or axillary radiotherapy (ART) affects disease free survival (DFS) and whether it reduces the risk of lymphoedema five years after treatment. This phase 3, open-label, randomized trial includes patients with T1-3N1M0 breast cancer and confirmed nodal metastases who have undergone sentinel node biopsy removing at least three lymph nodes post-NACT.

Researchers are conducting a two-part, phase 2b/3 study to evaluate CSL300 (Clazakizumab) in adults with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing dialysis who have systemic inflammation and either atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or diabetes. The study aims to determine the best dose of CSL300 and assess its effects on cardiovascular outcomes and safety in this population. This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial targets patients with elevated inflammation markers and significant health risks due to their conditions. In the first part (phase 2b), the study focuses on finding the appropriate dose of CSL300 compared to placebo. CSL300 is given through intravenous (IV) administration. The second part (phase 3) evaluates the impact of CSL300 on cardiovascular events such as heart attack or cardiovascular death over approximately 5 years, continuing to compare CSL300 to placebo for safety and efficacy. The placebo matches CSL300's excipient content but lacks the active drug. Participants will undergo baseline and regular assessments for inflammation markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) up to 12 weeks in phase 2b, and long-term monitoring for cardiovascular outcomes in phase 3. The study involves ongoing safety evaluations and efficacy measurements during the entire follow-up period. This comprehensive approach helps researchers understand how CSL300 affects inflammation and cardiovascular health in patients with ESKD on dialysis.

Researchers are investigating the effects of a medicine called BI 690517 in combination with empagliflozin for adults with chronic kidney disease who are at risk of their condition worsening. This study includes people both with and without type 2 diabetes and those already taking certain kidney-related medicines like ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers. The goal is to understand if adding BI 690517 helps protect kidney function and reduces risks related to kidney failure and heart problems. This is a Phase 3 clinical trial conducted over about 3 to 4 years. The study has two parts. First, participants receive either empagliflozin or a placebo similar to BI 690517 for at least six weeks, while continuing other indicated treatments like ACE inhibitors or ARBs. In the second part, participants are randomly assigned to take either BI 690517 tablets or placebo tablets once daily alongside empagliflozin for the rest of the study. The placebo tablets look like BI 690517 but contain no active medicine. Participants have regular visits to the study site, about four times in the first six months, then every six months afterward. During these visits, doctors monitor kidney function, heart health, blood pressure, weight, and any side effects. Blood and urine samples are taken to track health changes. The main outcomes measured are the time until worsening kidney disease, hospitalization for heart failure, or cardiovascular death. The study ends when a certain number of these events have occurred.

This research aims to evaluate whether lowering blood phosphate levels in people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who are on dialysis can reduce the risk of death or major heart-related events compared to maintaining higher phosphate levels. The study also looks at whether lowering phosphate improves physical health, fatigue, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and itching, as well as whether it is cost-effective. Hyperphosphatemia, or high phosphate in the blood, is common in ESKD and linked to higher death risk, but there is no strong trial evidence that lowering phosphate improves important patient outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an intensive phosphate target group aiming to keep serum phosphate at or below 1.50 mmol/L using phosphate-lowering medications, or a liberal phosphate target group aiming for a higher phosphate range of 2.0 to 2.5 mmol/L. In the liberal group, all phosphate-lowering drugs at baseline will be stopped and only restarted if phosphate rises above 2.5 mmol/L. Medication choice and doses will be based on physicians' and participants' decisions to meet target levels. The trial is multinational and will include 3600 adults on dialysis. During the study, researchers will track major outcomes including cardiovascular death or serious heart and artery events over 5 years. They will also assess physical health, quality of life using the EQ5D-5L questionnaire, fatigue, itching, and overall survival. The study involves monitoring serum phosphate levels and medication use, and measuring cost-effectiveness of the treatment strategies. Participants will be followed closely to understand the safety and impact of the phosphate targets on their health and well-being.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two different default dialysate sodium concentrations, 137 mmol/l and 140 mmol/l, on major cardiovascular events and death in adults receiving maintenance haemodialysis. This pragmatic, cluster-randomised, open-label study takes place in real-world dialysis sites and aims to compare the outcomes associated with these sodium levels over an extended period. The study focuses on patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing regular haemodialysis treatment. Dialysis sites are randomly assigned to use either a default dialysate sodium concentration of 137 mmol/l or 140 mmol/l for at least 90% of dialysis sessions at that site. All other care practices continue as usual based on local standards. The study plans to recruit sites over 5 to 7 years, with individual follow-up lasting roughly 2 to 5 years. Site participation requires consent, while individual patient consent may be waived or offered an opt-out option. Participants will be monitored for major cardiovascular events and death, with the primary outcome measuring the time until the first such event occurs. Data collection methods are implemented across participating dialysis units, focusing only on in-center or satellite dialysis patients where applicable. The study's duration depends on the occurrence of endpoints, with an average follow-up of about 5 years anticipated per participant.

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.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease that causes scarring, leading to coughing and breathlessness. Many people with IPF also have reflux disease, where stomach acid may enter the lungs and cause damage. This research is evaluating whether using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), medicines that reduce stomach acid like lansoprazole, can slow the progression of IPF. The study is a phase 3 clinical trial involving 298 IPF patients from about 37 UK hospitals to determine if treating with PPIs affects IPF outcomes and cough, reflux, and sleep symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to take either lansoprazole 30 mg capsules or matching placebo capsules twice daily, about 12 hours apart, for 12 months. They will be asked to start weekly home breathing tests using equipment provided, and some with a cough will use a device to count coughs over 24 hours. Questionnaires on cough, breathlessness, sleep, and general health will be completed. A sub-study involves additional cough and sleep monitoring sessions. Participants may reduce the dose if side effects occur. Throughout the study, participants will complete home spirometry assessments weekly, provide blood samples for safety checks at set intervals, and answer questionnaires at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Visits may be remote or in person. Researchers will monitor medication adherence, medical history changes, and side effects. The main outcome measured is the change in lung function, specifically forced vital capacity, 12 months after randomization. Additional blood samples may be collected for future research with consent.

Researchers are investigating the impact of a 12-week online peer support program designed specifically for family caregivers of individuals with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) who are at risk of becoming or currently technology-dependent. Caregivers in this role face significant psychological distress due to the progressive and debilitating nature of MND and the complexities of managing assistive technology. The study aims to determine how this virtual support affects caregivers' psychological health and burden, with a focus on reducing anxiety and depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive access to the online peer support program or continue with usual care. The program includes private messaging through audio, video, or text, weekly live chats, asynchronous discussion forums, and access to informational resources. The intervention lasts for 12 weeks, during which caregivers can connect with peers who share similar experiences and challenges. During the study, researchers will collect data on caregiver demographics, caregiving impact, psychological wellbeing using tools like the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and program usage. Usability and acceptability of the program will be assessed through interviews and monitoring of participant engagement. The main outcomes measured are changes in anxiety and depression at 6 and 12 weeks. The study plans to enroll 154 participants to ensure sufficient data despite expected dropout, ultimately providing insight into how online peer support may benefit caregivers nationally and internationally.