Clinical Research Directory

Using Breath, Cell Free DNA and Image Analysis to PRedIct Normal TissUe and Tumour Response During Prostate Cancer SBRT

Personalisation of radiotherapy dose based on real-time assessments of normal tissue and tumour response would maximise cure and minimise treatment related toxicity. During a 5 fraction course of prostate Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) this pilot study will assess whether a number of different biomarker approaches can predict for normal tissue and tumour response. Firstly the investigators will analyse volatile organic compounds released within the breath with each fraction of treatment. Secondly the investigators will analyse cell free normal tissue and tumour DNA released during treatment. Thirdly the investigators will develop imaging processing algorithms to look for imaging biomarkers predicting rectal wall toxicity using pre and post treatment cone beam CT verification images. Each of these approaches will be assessed against prostate specific antigen (PSA), Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v4.0) criteria and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26) patient reported outcomes with a maximum of 24 months of follow up.

Comparison of Two Different Sperm Processing Methods and Their Effects on Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Embryo Development

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the LensHooke CA0 device lowers DNA fragmentation in sperm samples compared to a gradient/swim-up technique. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does the LensHooke® CA0 device reduce DNA fragmentation compared to the gradient/swim-up technique? 2. Does the LensHooke® CA0 device improve concentration, motility, and morphology compared to the gradient/swim-up technique? 3. Is sibling embryo fertilization and development the same? 4. Are pregnancy rates different between the 2 groups? 1 semen sample will be split between the 2 treatment techniques. Half of the partner's egg cohort will be injected via intra-cytoplasmic sperm using sperm processed by one technique and the other half of the cohort will be injected by the sperm processed by the other technique. Both methods will look at DNA fragmentation, concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm. Both methods will be compared in the resulting embryos looking at fertilization, embryo development and pregnancy rates.

sperDNA Fragmentation a a Predictor for Outcome After Varicocelectomy,m

Varicocele is often associated with infertility and reduction in sperm quality, and it is one of the most common causes of reversible male infertility. The exact mechanism of infertility caused due to varicocele formation remains unclear. One of the suggested theories is related to increased oxidative stress that causes sperm DNA damage, including DNA fragmentation, and is correlated with the decreased capacity of spermatozoa to fertilize oocytes during normal fertilization and assisted reproduction techniques. This is supported by the evidence that there is a higher prevalence of DNA fragmentation in varicocele patients and a correlation between the presence of varicocele and impaired sperm DNA integrity. Several tests have been developed to better assess the fertility potential of sperm, including those designed to measure sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation (SDF). The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is a potential parameter for fertility investigation, reflecting sperm DNA integrity and damage.

Thinking Zinc: a Study of Zinc Supplements on the Navajo Nation

This is a study to assess the effect of dietary zinc supplementation to mitigate biomarkers of metal toxicity in exposed tribal populations.