Clinical Research Directory

Exercise Programs in Women With PCOS

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a digital rehabilitation-supported combined exercise program in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Participants aged 18-40 years will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a digital rehabilitation group, a face-to-face exercise group, and a physical activity counseling group. The intervention will last 8 weeks, with exercise performed three times per week. Outcomes will include DNA methylation, hormonal and metabolic parameters, anthropometric measurements, body composition, muscle strength, basal metabolic rate, physical activity level, quality of life, menstrual cycle regularity, exercise adherence and satisfaction.

Cervical Cytology DNA Methylation for Endometrial Lesion Screening and Follow-up

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the accuracy of a novel molecular test for screening and monitoring endometrial lesions in women at medium-to-high risk for endometrial cancer. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What is the sensitivity and specificity of the CISENDO test (a DNA methylation test on cervical cytology samples) for detecting histologically confirmed endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) or invasive endometrial cancer? * How do DNA methylation levels change during the follow-up of endometrial lesions? Researchers will compare the results of the CISENDO test to the results from the standard diagnostic procedure (hysteroscopy with histology) to see if the molecular test can reliably identify high-risk lesions and track disease progression. Participants will: * Provide a residual liquid-based cervical cytology sample for the CISENDO test. * Undergo a standard diagnostic hysteroscopy examination (with or without biopsy) for comparison. * Some participants will return for follow-up visits at 6 and 12 months for repeat methylation testing and/or hysteroscopy to monitor their condition.

Epigenetic Signature for CRC Early Detection

The epiCED is a noninvasive blood-based assay designed for early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) using circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) epigenetic markers. This study leverages retrospective, multi-center cohorts of CRC patients and non-cancer controls to discover and validate a robust cfDNA methylation signature. Small-scale sequencing and machine learning-based modeling will be applied to identify a minimal panel of methylation markers that can accurately discriminate CRC from non-cancer individuals, including early-stage disease. The ultimate goal is to develop a clinically practical, noninvasive screening tool that enables population-level early detection and improves patient outcomes.

Predicting Early Tumor Recurrence in Patients With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who develop post-operative early tumor recurrence is often relatively poor. Therefore, biomarker that can detect micro metastases before the start of treatment is required. Epigenomic alterations such as DNA methylation have attracted attention as promising biomarkers. The investigators aim to predict early recurrence based on whole genome DNA methylation analysis of esophageal cancer.

Predicting Postoperative Chemotherapy Efficacy in Patients With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal cancer remains a disease with a poor prognosis. Chemotherapy is an important part of its treatment, but there are cases in which chemotherapy is ineffective. The investigators aim to develop a model to predict the response to chemotherapy by DNA methylation of preoperative biopsy specimens to identify the chemotherapy ineffective group.

PaCIFiC-CUP Classifies Cancer of Unknown Primary

This study aims to initially utilize machine learning on pan-cancer DNA methylation data from public databases to construct a DNA methylation classification model (PaCIFiC-CUP, pan-cancer integrated fingerprinting classifier of CUP) for diagnosing various types of cancer, particularly the primary site of cancer of unknown primary. The goal is to achieve diagnosis of cancer pathology type by analyzing the DNA methylation patterns of cancer specimens, thereby guiding subsequent precision treatment for cancer.

Construction of Molecular Diagnostic Marker Model for Pancreatic Cystic Tumors Based on Pancreatic Cystic Fluid Samples

The goal of this observational study is to test in patients with cystic tumor of pancreas. The main questions it aims to answer are: Screening of molecular diagnostic markers for pancreatic cystic tumors by cfDNA methylation sequencing of pancreatic cystic fluid and proteomic assays to distinguish benign from malignant and mucinous/non-mucinous, correlate with pathological features, and find molecular features associated with the degree of malignancy. Participants will Provide post-operative cyst fluid specimens.

Cervical Cytology DNA Methylation for Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer represents one of the foremost causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Given the current limitations, such as the low specificity of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and the relatively low sensitivity of cytological examinations, there is a pressing need for a novel, non-invasive, safe, and precise screening method. This study aims to undertake a multicentre, real-world investigation, incorporating at least 10 sub-centres and enrolling 30,000 participants. Histopathological examination results will serve as the 'gold standard' for evaluating the screening efficacy of human PAX1 and JAM3 gene methylation assays (PAX1m/JAM3m), HPV testing, and cytological examinations. Furthermore, the study seeks to elucidate the relationship between DNA methylation levels and persistent HPV infection, while also assessing the applicability of PAX1m/JAM3m across diverse clinical settings. By focusing on alterations in DNA methylation levels within cervical exfoliated cells as the primary research trajectory, this study aspires to furnish novel insights and theoretical foundations for the prevention and management of cervical cancer, targeting PAX1m/JAM3m. The ultimate objective is to facilitate the clinical implementation of an enhanced cervical cancer screening protocol, thereby addressing the deficiencies of current screening methodologies, achieving greater precision in cervical cancer screening, and effectively reducing the incidence of cervical cancer while mitigating the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Methylation, mIcrobiome, NUtritional sTatus, and dEvelopment of Stunted Children

The investigators will conduct a case-control study among under-two children in Lombok Timur, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The power required to detect changes in epigenetic markers may not be sufficient in the cohort study. Therefore, specific case-control design of stunted vs non-stunted children will provide the required power to detect potential epigenetic markers which will be further investigated through targeted sequencing of the cohort study. A total of 150 stunted children will be recruited and then it will be matched with 150 non-stunted children with the same sex. The assessments for these study subjects will include: 1) The genetic and epigenetic profile of the children, gut microbiota and nutritional status (Physical component), 2) Food security, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices (Home-Food component), 3) Children's psychosocial care and cognitive outcome (Cognition component).