Branford

Researchers are studying whether tissue samples taken from the colon during routine colonoscopies can detect signs of Parkinsons disease or REM Sleep Behavior Disorder RBD. The study focuses on finding a protein called phosphorylated alpha-synuclein in colon tissue, which may help diagnose these conditions earlier than current methods that rely on symptoms. Early detection could allow doctors to begin treatment sooner when the disease is less advanced. During the routine colonoscopy procedure, doctors will take four small additional tissue samples from the colon two from each side. This adds only about two minutes to the standard procedure. After the colonoscopy, no extra visits are needed. The collected tissue samples will be tested for the alpha-synuclein protein to evaluate its presence in participants with Parkinsons disease or RBD. Participants will undergo the usual colonoscopy as planned, with the extra tissue sampling included. No individual test results will be given to participants. Researchers will measure the presence of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein in the colon tissue at the time of the procedure. The study involves 40 adults aged 40 to 99 who have Parkinsons disease or RBD and who are already scheduled for routine colonoscopy. The study is sponsored by CND Life Sciences and aims to improve early diagnosis of these neurological conditions.

Researchers are evaluating the performance of the Shield blood test for colorectal cancer CRC screening in individuals aged 45 to 81 who are at average risk for CRC. The study focuses on the second round of testing and compares the Shield test results to colonoscopy findings. This observational study aims to gather real-world evidence on how well the Shield test detects CRC in this population, addressing the importance of early detection to reduce CRC incidence and mortality. Participants will undergo the Shield blood test at the second testing interval, which occurs between 33 and 42 months after enrollment. The study involves adults who are considered average risk for CRC, meaning they lack symptoms or increased risk factors such as a personal or family history of CRC or related conditions. The Shield test is the primary diagnostic tool being assessed, and colonoscopy is used as the reference method to evaluate its performance. During the study, participants will follow standard care procedures and comply with study assessments. Researchers will measure how well the Shield test performs at detecting CRC at the second testing interval. The study includes monitoring participants over time with standard clinical assessments and the collection of data related to CRC screening outcomes. Participation involves scheduled testing and evaluations, with safety and adherence tracked throughout the study period, which extends until December 2030.