Monrovia

Researchers are developing a new blood test to detect colorectal adenomas and cancer early. Colorectal cancer is a major health concern worldwide, ranking third in diagnosis and second in death rates. Existing screening methods like fecal immunochemical tests can detect cancer but not precancerous lesions called adenomas. This trial focuses on creating a more sensitive and specific non-invasive test by combining advanced machine learning with biological analyses to improve early detection of both adenomas and colorectal cancer.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ESCC is a deadly cancer often diagnosed late, leading to poor outcomes. Current screening methods like upper endoscopy are invasive and limited in detecting early-stage disease. This study aims to develop a non-invasive blood test by combining cell-free microRNAs cf-miRNAs and exosomal microRNAs exo-miRNAs to detect ESCC early when it might be more treatable. The study involves multiple phases including discovery, training, and validation using blood samples collected before surgery. Researchers will analyze small RNA sequencing and perform RT-qPCR to identify and quantify specific miRNAs. These data will be used to build and validate a machine learning model, called the SYNERGY assay, designed to distinguish ESCC patients from non-disease controls using blood biomarkers. Participants will provide preoperative plasma or serum samples that will be analyzed for miRNA patterns. The study will evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the SYNERGY assay in detecting ESCC. Researchers will monitor and compare the biomarker results across different cohorts, aiming to improve early detection. Participation duration varies based on sample collection and analysis timelines.

Lynch syndrome is a common inherited condition that increases the risk of colorectal and endometrial cancers, among others, due to genetic mutations affecting DNA repair. Despite regular cancer screenings, many patients still develop colorectal cancer, and the reasons behind this are unclear. This research investigates the interaction between the intestinal lining and the immune system to better understand early cancer development and identify biological markers and processes that may help in prevention. The study analyzes blood, mucosal tissue, and hair samples to measure microRNAs, antibodies against specific peptides, bacteria present in colon tissue, and environmental exposures to carcinogens. Participants include groups with Lynch syndrome gene mutations both with and without colorectal cancer or advanced adenomas, as well as individuals without these mutations but with various colorectal conditions. This observational study looks at immune and microbiome profiles to find early signs of cancer and better understand disease mechanisms. Participants will undergo regular clinical evaluations, including gastrointestinal endoscopy and sample collection of blood, mucosa, and hair. Researchers will assess immune responses, tumor microbiomes, and environmental factors, measuring outcomes such as sensitivity and specificity of biomarkers over about one year. The study aims to improve early cancer detection and prevention strategies by closely monitoring biological indicators and immune surveillance in high-risk individuals.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma PDAC is a highly deadly cancer often diagnosed at late stages, limiting treatment options. This research evaluates a new noninvasive method to detect PDAC early by analyzing specific microRNAs miRNAs found in circulating exosomes and blood serum. The study will validate a previously identified signature of 13 miRNAs to improve early detection accuracy in a larger international group. The study uses a diagnostic test called PANXEON, which measures the levels of 5 cell-free and 8 exosome-derived miRNAs from blood plasma samples. Participants include individuals diagnosed with PDAC and those without the disease for comparison. The study will observe these groups prospectively to assess the tests ability to detect PDAC at early stages. Participants will provide plasma samples for miRNA analysis without receiving treatment as part of the study. Researchers will measure the tests sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy over about one year. The study includes adults aged 18 and older and allows healthy volunteers without pancreatic cancer. It aims to improve early detection tools for PDAC over the study period ending in 2030.

Researchers are evaluating a new test to predict the chance of cancer returning in patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer after they have received surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. The goal is to use genome-wide DNA methylation patterns to better understand who is at risk of recurrence and to improve treatment decisions. The study is observational and aims to develop and validate this prediction assay. The study includes three phases first, discovering specific DNA methylation markers linked to recurrence-free survival using machine learning methods second, developing a clinical test using tissue samples processed by pyrosequencing and third, validating this test independently. The test examines methylation levels in preserved tumor tissue samples from patients who had surgery and chemotherapy. Participants include patients who had stage II high-risk or stage III colorectal cancer treated with curative surgery and chemotherapy and are currently cancer-free. Researchers will collect tissue samples and analyze methylation patterns to assess recurrence risk over up to 10 years. Outcomes include measuring recurrence-free survival and overall survival, with long-term follow-up to confirm the tests predictive value.