Clinical Research Directory

The TASTY-training Study

A multicentre non-blinded randomised intervention trial with a parallel cluster design. The multicentre study will be performed at 12 hospitals in the Netherlands. A parallel cluster design per hospital was selected to prevent contact between participants in the same hospital who are randomised into different study arms. Such contact may result in bias as it may allow for patients in the control arm to be informed about elements of taste and smell training. To examine the effect of at-home taste and smell training versus standard care on taste function and other outcome parameters, measurements will take place at baseline (before the training starts), and after 12 weeks. The intervention will take place at home. The control group will receive usual care. Questionnaires will be filled in online at home, while taste and smell tests and saliva collection will be conducted either at home or in the hospital during regular visits. Patients in both study arms are contacted by their dietitian every 3 weeks.

Frailty in the Elderly Oncological and Oncohematological Patient.

The Italian population is progressively aging, and cancer incidence increases with age. Older patients are at higher risk of frailty, a condition associated with adverse outcomes such as disability, falls, hospitalization, and mortality. Key indicators of frailty include reduced balance, impaired physical activity, cognitive decline, and particularly sarcopenia, defined as the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. After age 60, muscle mass decreases by 1.4-2.5% annually, while muscle strength declines by 15% between ages 60-70 and by up to 30% per decade thereafter. Sarcopenia increases the risk of falls, fractures, hospitalization, and non-cancer-related death. In cancer patients, its prevalence ranges from 11% to 74% and is associated with poorer survival outcomes in both early and advanced disease stages.In clinical oncology practice, several tools are available to assess frailty, identify vulnerable patients, and personalize care, treatment, and supportive interventions.

Prehabilitation in Oncological Patients Undergoing Major Gastrointestinal Surgery (PROGRESS)

The importance of postoperative rehabilitation on physical performance and recovery is well-recognized. However, the preoperative period constitutes a unique opportunity to address comorbidities and modifiable risk factors, improve functional capacity and address deficiencies in physiologic reserve, which might otherwise preclude surgery or significantly impede recovery. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a multimodal program of prehabilitation in patients undergoing major oncological gastrointestinal surgery. The hypothesis is that severe post-operative complications within 30 days will be reduced in the treatment group compared to the control group.

Analysis of the Specificity and Persistence of Nasal Immune Responses to Respiratory Viral Antigens in Immunocompromised and Healthy Cohorts

The goal of this observational study is to characterize nasal mucosal immunity to respiratory viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, in immunocompromised individuals and healthy volunteers. The study involves adults of any sex, between 18 and 90 years old, including both immunocompromised patients with medical conditions or treatments that can affect immune cell functions and healthy controls with no underlying medical conditions declared, no clinical history of immunodeficiency or use of immunosuppressive medications. Researchers will compare immunocompromised participants to healthy volunteers to determine how underlying immunodeficiency and related treatments affect immune cell composition and virus-specific responses.

Impact of Specific Oligomeric Supplementation in Oncologic Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy With Malnutrition or at Risk.

An observational, prospective, multicenter study to be conducted in 5 hospitals in Spain. Patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Due to the characteristics of their pathology or gastrointestinal disorders, the use of oligomeric nutritional formulas formulated with 100% hydrolyzed whey lactoprotein and a high MCT content is recommended as part of routine clinical practice. Patients will be followed for 12 weeks, with three visits: a baseline visit upon inclusion in the study, after 6 weeks and a final visit 12 weeks after the nutritional treatment starts.

Fertility Protection for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

This study focuses on improving fertility preservation and long-term care for children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYA) undergoing cancer treatments or stem cell transplantation. These treatments can harm fertility, and ensuring that patients receive the right support and follow-up care is critical. The main study goals are: 1. Understanding Fertility Risks: Researchers aim to identify factors that predict fertility problems after cancer treatments, such as the type of therapy, hormone levels, body composition, or genetic predispositions. 2. Addressing Patient and Family Needs: The program will explore the concerns, needs, and challenges faced by young patients and their parents regarding fertility. It will also examine how these issues affect their quality of life. 3. Improving Clinical Care: Current practices in fertility preservation and counseling will be studied to identify gaps and improve care structures. To achieve these goals, the program will: * Create a database to collect and analyze medical data from patients before, during, and after cancer treatments. * Study the prevalence and long-term effects of fertility problems in young patients. * Document medical interventions like fertility preservation methods (e.g., freezing eggs or sperm) and treatments for late effects. * Assess patients' and families' fertility-related quality of life and their informational needs. Ultimately, the project aims to establish an interdisciplinary center to support fertility preservation and improve the quality of care for young patients facing cancer and its treatments.