Clinical Research Directory

Analysis of Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Resection of Duodenal and Ampullary Mucosal and Submucosal Lesions

Mucosal and submucosal lesions of the duodenum represent a diverse group of pathologies, ranging from benign adenomas to lesions with significant malignant potential. Endoscopic resection has emerged as a minimally invasive approach; however, the success rates, recurrence patterns, and long-term outcomes remain poorly defined due to the heterogeneity of these lesions. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the endoscopic management and long-term outcomes of patients who underwent endoscopic resection of mucosal and submucosal lesions in the duodenum and ampulla over a 15-year period. The investigators aim to assess key procedural outcomes, including complete resection rates, recurrence, complication rates, recurrence and morbidity and mortality of duodenal or ampullary malignancy. By analysing these factors, the investigators hope to better understand the role of endoscopic therapy in managing these challenging lesions and identify predictors of long-term success. This data will help guide future practice and optimize surveillance strategies for patients undergoing endoscopic resection in this complex anatomical region. Primary Objective 1. To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic resection of mucosal and submucosal lesions (MSML) in the duodenum and ampulla. 2. To assess the safety profile of the procedure. 3. To investigate long-term outcomes, including rates of recurrence, residual disease, and malignancy. Secondary Objectives 1. Diagnostic yield of endoscopic surveillance post endoscopic resection 2. Requirements for surgery

Testing Obeticholic Acid for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

This phase IIa trial investigates if giving obeticholic acid (OCA) is safe and has a beneficial effect on the number of polyps in the small bowel and colon in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP is a rare gene defect that increases the risk of developing cancer of the intestines and colon. OCA is a drug similar to a bile acid the body makes. It is fluid made and released by the liver. OCA binds to a receptor in the intestine that is believed to have a positive effect on preventing cancer development. OCA has been effective in treating primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a liver disease, and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use at a lower dose (10 mg). There have been studies showing that OCA decreases inflammation and fibrosis. However, it is not yet known whether OCA works on reducing the number of polyps in patients with FAP.

Preventing Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing High-risk Pancreatoduodenectomy With a Bundle Approach Including Hydrocortisone, Octreotide, and the Teres Ligament Patch (PANENCA)

The PANENCA trial aims to reduce postoperative complications in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (also known as a Whipple procedure), a complex surgical operation performed to remove tumors located in or near the head of the pancreas. One of the most frequent and serious complications after this surgery is postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), a leakage of pancreatic fluid from the surgical connection. POPF can lead to intra-abdominal infection, bleeding, and inflammation, often resulting in delayed recovery and postponement of subsequent oncological treatment. In severe cases, these complications may be life-threatening. Patients with a small main pancreatic duct (3 millimeters or less) are known to have a substantially higher risk of developing POPF. Previous studies have shown that several existing interventions may reduce the risk or severity of these complications. These include hydrocortisone, a medication that suppresses postoperative inflammation; octreotide, a medication that reduces the production of pancreatic secretions; and a surgical technique known as the ligamentum teres hepatis patch, which uses the patient's own tissue to protect nearby blood vessels in the event of a pancreatic leak. Because the development of pancreatic fistulas is multifactorial, the investigators hypothesize that a combined approach targeting different underlying mechanisms may provide a complementary and more effective protective effect than any single intervention alone. The PANENCA trial therefore evaluates whether the combined use of hydrocortisone, octreotide, and the ligamentum teres patch can reduce the rate of major postoperative complications after pancreatoduodenectomy. Patients participating in the study are randomly assigned to receive either the combination treatment in addition to standard perioperative care or standard perioperative care alone. The study medications are administered only during the first postoperative days, and the surgical patch is applied during the operation itself. No additional tests, monitoring procedures, or hospital visits are required beyond routine clinical care. This international, multicenter randomized trial includes patients at high risk for POPF who are undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. The primary objective is to determine whether the combination treatment reduces the incidence of major postoperative complications. If proven effective, this bundle approach may be implemented more consistently across participating countries and incorporated into international clinical guidelines for pancreatic surgery.