Clinical Research Directory

Early Detection of Metastatic Recurrence Among Patients With Stage II or III Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Liquid Biopsy and Imaging

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer, often with poor outcomes. Currently, follow-up for TNBC consists of physical exams and annual breast imaging, with additional scans only if symptoms appear. This approach may delay the detection of the cancer coming back until the disease is advanced. A promising new technique is the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-in the blood. Studies suggest ctDNA may identify cancer recurrence months before it becomes visible on scans or causes symptoms. However, it is unknown whether detecting recurrence earlier can actually help patients live longer or feel better. The EINSTEIN-TNBC trial is a study aiming to evaluate the feasibility of ctDNA-guided surveillance for patients with TNBC after surgery. Thirty participants will be randomized to either: Standard of care (routine physical exams and annual breast imaging), or Active surveillance (standard of care plus ctDNA testing, with imaging investigations if ctDNA is detected). This study will assess the feasibility of conducting a ctDNA-based monitoring trial in this patient population. If feasible, EINSTEIN-TNBC will lay the foundation for a larger future clinical trial to determine whether earlier detection of metastatic TNBC can improve survival and quality of life.

"Airway Complications in Pediatric Patients With Tracheostomies: To What Extent Can Symptoms Identified by Caregivers or Pediatricians Serve as Predictors for Airway Complications Confirmed Through Surveillance Endoscopy?"

Study Objective: This observational study aims to prospectively investigate to what extent tracheostomy-related complications in children are asymptomatic or associated with symptoms when detected through surveillance airway endoscopy. We also aim at investigating how reliable caregiver reports and investigations by pediatriscians are in identifying symptoms associated with severe tracheostomy-related airway complications. Study Population: The study population comprises children under 18 years of age undergoing follow-up at the Long-Term Intensive Care Unit (LIVA) at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Research Questions: 1. To what extent are tracheostomy-related complications in children asymptomatic when detected through surveillance airway endoscopy? 2. How reliable are caregiver reports in identifying symptoms associated with tracheostomy-related airway complications? Methods: Children scheduled for surveillance airway endoscopy are admitted to LIVA. Upon admission, the caregiver is asked to complete a short questionnaire regarding symptoms that may indicate a tracheostomy-related complication. After the questionnaire has been completed, the child will be examined by the responsible paediatrician, with the aim of identifying any signs or symptoms that could indicate an airway complication. The examination includes physical examination and medical history conducted according to a predefined protocol. The airway endoscopy is performed by an ENT surgeon who has not examined the patient beforehand and is not informed of the caregiver's responses nor the result of the examination by the pediatrician. However, there is no strict protocol in place to blind the surgeon to any visibly apparent symptoms or to information that may be spontaneously reported by the caregiver or paediatrician.

Clinical Aspects, Management and Surveillance of Febrile Illnesses in DRC

The epidemiology and outcome of febrile illnesses in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is poorly documented. The FIKI² study, a prospective observational study of community-acquired febrile illnesses coordinated by ITM and INRB and conducted at 2 clinical sites from 2021 to 2023, has deepened the knowledge of clinical presentation, etiology, outcome and profile of inflammatory/infectious biomarkers (white blood cells and C-reactive protein, or CRP). The management of febrile illnesses remains fraught with clinical challenges. Overuse of antibiotics in primary care remains a reality in the field, and has been observed in several studies, including FIKI². A number of initiatives are underway to address this problem, such as the use of biomarkers, the development of treatment guidelines and electronic decision support systems. The FIKI² study highlighted the potential role of CRP in rationalizing antibiotic use. In parallel, the 'AWARE antibiotic book' was published at the end of 2022 by the WHO, providing recommendations on the choice (or otherwise) of antibiotic therapy for over 30 common clinical infections, in both primary care and hospital settings. Based on the results of the FIKI² study, the main aim of the FI-CARE study is to investigate the impact of these new tools (CRP biomarker, AWARE antibiotic book, and electronic decision support systems) on first-line antibiotic use. Secondly, the study will consolidate previous results from FIKI² sites in terms of monitoring the etiologies of community-acquired febrile illnesses (particularly arboviruses); and reinforce this monitoring at new sites (depending on opportunities). This complementary study will also pursue FIKI²'s strategic objectives of strengthening clinical research capacity and consolidating biobanks in the DRC. FI-CARE is a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study of adults and children presenting to the emergency department or outpatient clinic with community-acquired febrile illness. A laboratory component with sample storage in a biobank is added in a modular fashion according to laboratory and research capacities, epidemiological interest and available funds.

Effect of the Automatic Surveillance System on Surveillance Rate of Patients with Gastric Premalignant Lesions

In this study, we proposed a prospective study about the effect of the automatic surveillance system on surveillance rate of patients with gastric premalignant lesions. The enrolled patients were divided into group A with intelligent surveillance system, group B with manual reminder, and group C with natural state. The surveillance among the three groups will be compared.

Soluble B7-H3 as a Biomarker for Osteosarcoma

Increasing data has indicated an association between increased soluble B7-H3 (sB7-H3) levels and unfavorable prognosis in patients with malignancies. However, the level of sB7-H3 and its clinical significance in osteosarcoma are not well known. In this present study, we investigated whether sB7-H3 levels in serum could be as a biomarker for osteosarcoma treatment.

Improved and Simplified Staining Technique for Dysplasia Detection in Colitis

Comparing chromoendoscopy to a digital staining technique and White light in patients with IBD attending scheduled surveillance colonoscopy

Effect of the Automatic Surveillance System on Surveillance Rate of Colorectal Postpolypectomy Patients

In this study, we proposed a prospective study about the effect of the automatic surveillance system on surveillance rate of colorectal postpolypectomy patients. The enrolled patients were divided into group A with intelligent surveillance system reminding though telephone and message, group B with intelligent surveillance system reminding though message, group C with manual reminder, and group D with natural state. The surveillance among the four groups were compared.

Evaluating the Effect of the Automatic Surveillance System on Surveillance Rate of Colorectal Postpolypectomy Patients

In this study, we proposed a prospective study about the effect of the automatic surveillance system on surveillance rate of colorectal postpolypectomy patients. The enrolled patients were divided into group A with intelligent surveillance system, group B with manual reminder, and group C with natural state. The surveillance among the three groups were compared.