Genomic Investigation of Unusual Responders

Launched by UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK, TORONTO · Nov 12, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

**Clinical Trial Summary: Genomic Investigation of Unusual Responders**

This clinical trial is looking into why some cancer patients have unexpected reactions to their treatments. While some people respond very well and see their tumors shrink, others may not respond at all, even when doctors expect them to. Researchers want to understand the genetic differences that might explain these unusual responses. By analyzing tumor samples from patients who have either responded exceptionally well or poorly to treatment, they hope to uncover important genetic information that could help improve cancer care in the future.

To be eligible for this study, patients should have had a remarkable response to their cancer treatment—either an excellent response, like a significant reduction in tumor size, or a poor response, where the treatment did not work as expected. Participants need to have enough tumor tissue available for testing, and even patients who have passed away may be included if their tissue samples are stored in certain research facilities. The study is currently recruiting participants of all genders, aged 65 and older. If you or a loved one is interested in this trial, it could provide valuable insights into your treatment experience and contribute to a better understanding of cancer responses overall.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. The patient must have either an exceptionally good or poor response to treatment, as indicated by their treating physician.
• • 1. The exact definition of this is adaptable to the disease but a suggested guideline is a Complete Response, Partial Response or progression free interval of at least 6 months
• • 2. Exceptionally poor response includes patients who were expected to respond favourably to a treatment but instead responded poorly (e.g dramatic tumor growth or death)
• • 2. The patient must have sufficient archival tumor available for sequencing.
• 3. Deceased patients will also be considered for analysis (up to 30 patients per year) if they meet at least one of the following requirements:
• • a)) Patients who have archival tissue stored within the UHN Laboratory Medicine Program who have had a consent waiver granted by the REB to access the tissue.
• • b) Patients who have archival tissue banked for further research within the UHN Biospecimen Sciences Program
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • None