Clinical Research Directory

Combination Chemotherapy With or Without Atezolizumab in Treating Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer and Deficient DNA Mismatch Repair

This phase III trial studies combination chemotherapy and atezolizumab to see how well it works compared with combination chemotherapy alone in treating patients with stage III colon cancer and deficient deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) mismatch repair (dMMR). Drugs used in combination chemotherapy, such as oxaliplatin, leucovorin calcium, and fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as atezolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving combination chemotherapy with atezolizumab may work better than combination chemotherapy alone in treating patients with dMMR colon cancer.

Protocol for Non-invasive Gynaecological Surveillance in Lynch Syndrome

Lynch syndrome is the most common inherited condition that raises a person's risk of getting certain cancers. It happens because of changes in genes that normally fix damaged DNA. People with Lynch syndrome have a higher chance over their lifetime of cancers like bowel, womb (endometrial), ovarian, and others. For people with a uterus, cancer of the womb lining (endometrial cancer) is often the first cancer to appear, affecting over 40% of some groups. Even though the risk is high, the current ways of checking for endometrial cancer aren't ideal. They often involve uncomfortable and invasive tests, like taking tissue samples (biopsies) or internal scans. These can be expensive and don't always catch cancer early, so many people don't keep up with regular checks. New methods are being developed that look for tiny amounts of cancer DNA in easy, non-invasive samples, like urine or self-collected vaginal swabs. These approaches could make testing easier, more comfortable, and possibly just as accurate. The PREDI-ENDO study will compare these simple tests (urine and self-collected swabs) with the standard, more invasive tests. It will include people with Lynch syndrome, those who may have symptoms, and those who would rather avoid invasive procedures. Researchers will also compare different types of samples to see which works best. About 400 women across around 20 sites in the UK will be asked to take part. They'll do these new tests alongside their usual hospital tests to see if screening can be made easier and better. The goal is to develop safer, simpler, and more reliable ways to find cancer early, and possibly replace the current invasive tests in the future.

The Cancer of the Pancreas Screening-5 CAPS5)Study

Johns Hopkins clinical research office quality assurance group will monitor and audit this study at Johns Hopkins. The Sub Investigator at each site will be responsible for internal monitoring at their site.

Weight Management and Health Behavior Intervention in Lowering Cancer Risk for BRCA Positive and Lynch Syndrome Families

This trial studies how well weight management and health behavior intervention works in helping patients with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and Lynch syndrome mutation carriers lose or maintain a healthy weight and lower their risk for cancer. Lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity, diet, and weight management may play a key role in preventing cancers and improving outcomes even in those with hereditary cancer syndromes.

Liquid Biopsy Evaluation and Repository Development at Princess Margaret

The objective of this protocol is to develop an institution-wide liquid biopsy protocol that will establish a common process for collecting blood and corresponding archived tumor specimens for future research studies at the University Health Network's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Circulating cell-free nucleic acids (cfNA), including cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cell-free RNA (cfRNA), are non-invasive, real-time biomarkers that can provide diagnostic and prognostic information before cancer diagnosis, during cancer treatment, and at disease progression. Cancer research scientists and clinicians at the Princess Margaret are interested in incorporating the collection of peripheral blood samples ("liquid biopsies") into research protocols as a means of non-invasively assessing tumor progression and response to treatment at multiple time points during a patient's course of disease.

Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers for Endoscopic Surveillance in Lynch Syndrome

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary condition that markedly increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and other malignancies. Standard surveillance relies on colonoscopy every 1-2 years starting at age 20-25 years, an invasive and costly procedure that may become burdensome during lifelong follow-up and may miss interval cancers. This prospective, single-institution, observational study aims to identify minimally invasive plasma, stool, and urine biomarkers that could improve the detection of early colorectal lesions in individuals with LS and help refine surveillance protocols. Biomarker analyses include microsatellite instability (MSI) and MMR-related frameshift mutations in circulating tumor DNA, plasma and stool microRNA profiling, stool microbiome analysis, and exploratory urine cell-free DNA banking. Patients with genetically confirmed LS followed at Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori will be enrolled and followed for 24 months, undergoing surveillance colonoscopy at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months, with periodic venous blood sampling and stool, urine, and tissue collection according to protocol.

Feasibility Study: IGNITE-TX (Identifying Individuals for Genetic Testing & Treatment) Intervention

This is a community-based study requiring participant-self-enrollment, that can help to increase the rates of genetic testing among the family members of people who have been diagnosed with a hereditary cancer syndrome. The two main factors in this study are the IGNITE-TX intervention (website and navigator) and the free genetic counseling and testing. The IGNITE-TX Intervention is an innovative multi-modal intervention, with two components: a) interactive web "IGNITE-TX Hub" and b) genetic family navigators.

Energy Balance Interventions in Increasing Physical Activity in Breast Cancer Gene Positive Patients, Lynch Syndrome-Positive Patients, CLL Survivors or High-Risk Family Members

This pilot clinical trial studies different types of energy balance interventions to see how well they work in increasing the physical activity levels of breast cancer gene-positive patients, Lynch syndrome-positive patients, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) survivors or family members of cancer survivors who are at high risk for cancer. Increasing exercise and eating healthy foods may help reduce the risk of cancer. Studying how well different types of interventions work in motivating cancer survivors or high-risk family members to increase exercise and healthy food choices may help doctors plan the most effective motivational program for cancer prevention.

The Pancreas Interception Center (PIC) for Early Detection, Prevention, and Novel Therapeutics

The long-term goal of our PIC is to develop effective strategies that can be applied clinically at the point-of-care to prevent, intercept, or detect PDAC at an early stage, thereby reducing PDAC burden and saving lives.

Assessing Uterine Cancer Risk in Lynch Syndrome Carriers Using Vaginal Self-sampling and a Health Questionnaire

The goal of this study is to find out if self-collected vaginal swabs can be used to detect early signs of uterine cancer or related conditions in people with Lynch syndrome (LS) who still have their uterus. The study also tests if people with LS are willing and able to collect these samples themselves and whether they find the process acceptable. The main questions this study asks are: * Will people with LS take part in self-collection of vaginal samples, and do they find it acceptable? * Can vaginal DNA mutations predict cancer risk or match results from other genetic or biopsy testing? * Can a cancer risk model used in the general population also help identify risk in people with LS? Participants will: * Answer a health questionnaire about lifestyle and symptoms * Collect their own vaginal swabs and measure their vaginal pH at home using a self-collection kit * Complete short surveys around the time of self-collection and at the end of the study

Overcoming Barriers to Uptake of Cascade Screening

Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that increases cancer risk. The public health impact of genetic testing for disease prevention hinges on cascade screening, which is the systematic identification and testing of blood relatives after a family member has been diagnosed with a genetic condition. Despite its importance in disease prevention, only half of first-degree relatives of individuals with Lynch syndrome undergo cascade screening. To address this gap, the study will pilot test an online version of Let's Talk, a novel intervention designed to support and promote cascade screening. This intervention tool is designed to support and encourage more family members to get screened. The purpose of this study aim is to assess the feasibility of the online Let's Talk tool in clinical use by examining implementation and effectiveness outcomes related to the use of the planning tool across three clinics at a large academic-affiliated medical center with patients (n=15) seen by one of five genetic counselors (n=5).

Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Program

Early detection testing is recommended for individuals at elevated risk for the development of Pancreatic Cancer. This Protocol will define sufficiently elevated risk as either equal to or greater than five times the general population risk, or five times the average risk (1.5%) of developing pancreatic cancer by age 70; that is a 7.5% lifetime risk. Our inclusion criteria has a strong focus on the risk for pancreatic cancer imparted by the presence of hereditary cancer genes, as well as by family history. Enrolled subjects will undergo Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) alternating with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), every six to 12 months, for up to 5 years.

Preventive Dendritic Cell Vaccination for Lynch Syndrome

The aim of this study is to assess safety, immunogenicity and feasibility of vaccination with neopeptide-loaded dendritic cells in Lynch Syndrome subjects who are known to be carrier of a germline MMR-gene mutation without signs of disease.

Collecting Blood and Stool Samples to Detect Colorectal Cancer or Advanced Neoplasia in Lynch Syndrome Patients

This study collects blood and stool samples from patients with suspected or diagnosed Lynch syndrome to evaluate a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) screening technique for the detection of colorectal cancer in Lynch syndrome patients.

Study Aiming to Test Whether Non-invasive Liquid Biopsies Can Safely Reduce Invasive Surveillance Methods in Lynch Syndrome

Lynch syndrome is an inherited genetic predisposition that increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, particularly colon and rectal cancers (colorectal cancer), as well as cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer). It affects around 1 in 400 people in Europe. Today, surveillance mainly relies on examinations such as colonoscopy (an examination of the colon using a camera) or gynaecological evaluations, sometimes accompanied by biopsies (the removal of a small tissue sample for microscopic analysis). Although effective, these procedures are invasive and demanding; they can affect quality of life and discourage some individuals from adhering to their recommended surveillance programme. The European project PREDI-LYNCH is exploring an additional pathway that is simpler and better tolerated. This project relies on "liquid biopsies", meaning tests performed on easily collected samples such as blood, urine, stool, and vaginal swabs for women with a uterus. The PREDI-LYNCH study aims to determine whether these non-invasive tests could enable personalised surveillance and potentially increase the interval between more burdensome procedures, while maintaining a high level of medical safety.

Initial Testing of a Behavioral Intervention About Genetic Services for Families at Risk of Lynch Syndrome

The purpose of the study is to see if our education materials help people at risk for Lynch syndrome decide about seeking genetic services. Untested relatives of patients with Lynch syndrome will be recruited to complete a baseline survey and will be randomized to receive either the an information letter or an information letter plus a booklet. Two follow-up surveys will be administered over the span of 6 months. Participants will also be invited to join an optional exit interview to provide feedback.

Pembrolizumab in Treating Younger Patients With Recurrent, Progressive, or Refractory High-Grade Gliomas, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas, Hypermutated Brain Tumors, Ependymoma or Medulloblastoma

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of pembrolizumab and to see how well it works in treating younger patients with high-grade gliomas (brain tumors that are generally expected to be fast growing and aggressive), diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (brain stem tumors), brain tumors with a high number of genetic mutations, ependymoma or medulloblastoma that have come back (recurrent), progressed, or have not responded to previous treatment (refractory). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may induce changes in the body's immune system, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread.

Identifying and Caring for Individuals With Inherited Cancer Syndrome

This trial examines approaches to identify and care for individuals with inherited cancer syndrome. The purpose of this study is to offer no cost genetic testing to the general public. Researchers hope to learn the value of providing broad, public-wide testing for high risk cancer types (like hereditary breast and ovarian cancer or Lynch syndromes) instead of only testing people whose families are known to be high risk.

Patient Centered Clinical Decision Support for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes

The goal of this clinical trial is to address care gaps for participants at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), or Lynch syndrome (LS) because of testing positive for specific genetic variants. A patient-centered clinical decision support (PC-CDS) tool will help identify participants with genetic variations and display recommendations for referrals and testing to the clinician and participant at a primary care visit. The main question the study aims to answer is: \- Does clinical decision support for participants with hereditary cancer syndromes improve the use of evidence-based cancer prevention care. Participants being seen in the PC-CDS group are compared to participants being seen in usual care (UC) to see if they are up to date on guideline-based cancer prevention care and to see if participants in the PC-CDS group report more shared decision making and higher rates of self-management of their genetic cancer risks. Participants will be asked to answer survey questions.

Integrated Cancer Repository for Cancer Research

The iCaRe2 is a multi-institutional resource created and maintained by the Fred \& Pamela Buffett Cancer Center to collect and manage standardized, multi-dimensional, longitudinal data and biospecimens on consented adult cancer patients, high-risk individuals, and normal controls. The distinct characteristic of the iCaRe2 is its geographical coverage, with a significant percentage of small and rural hospitals and cancer centers. The iCaRe2 advances comprehensive studies of risk factors of cancer development and progression and enables the design of novel strategies for prevention, screening, early detection and personalized treatment of cancer. Centers with expertise in cancer epidemiology, genetics, biology, early detection, and patient care can collaborate by using the iCaRe2 as a platform for cohort and population studies.

Determining the Prevalence of Muir-Torre Syndrome in Patients With Lynch Syndrome

The main aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) in the population of patients with Lynch syndrome (LS) confirmed by genetic analysis. Other aims include describing the dermatological clinical manifestations of these patients in order to describe any possible new cutaneous manifestations of this syndrome. Another aim is to use molecular biology (microsatellite instability) and immunohistochemistry to analyze non-sebaceous skin lesions and deep-seated tumors that do not belong to the narrow spectrum of Lynch syndrome, and determine whether their occurrence in these patients is related to the genetic syndrome. The follow-up of these tumors (screening for new tumors) in patients with SL, as recommended by the learned societies, will also be evaluated. Finally, a biobank of cutaneous and deep tumour lesions in paraffin (retrospective) and smears of cutaneous lesions and healthy tissue (prospective) will be set up.

Testing a Combination of Vaccines for Cancer Prevention in Lynch Syndrome

This phase IIb trial tests whether Tri-Ad5 in combination with N-803 works to prevent colon and other cancers in participants with Lynch syndrome. Each of the three injections in Tri-Ad5 vaccine contain a different substance that is in precancer and cancer cells. Injecting these substances may cause the immune system to develop a defense against cancer that recognizes and destroys any precancer and cancer cells that produce these proteins in the future. N-803 may increase immune responses to other vaccines. Giving Tri-Ad5 in combination with immune enhancing N-803 may lower the chance of developing colon and other cancers in participants with Lynch syndrome.

Familial Investigations of Childhood Cancer Predisposition

NOTE: This is a research study and is not meant to be a substitute for clinical genetic testing. Families may never receive results from the study or may receive results many years from the time they enroll. If you are interested in clinical testing please consider seeing a local genetic counselor or other genetics professional. If you have already had clinical genetic testing and meet eligibility criteria for this study as shown in the Eligibility Section, you may enroll regardless of the results of your clinical genetic testing. While it is well recognized that hereditary factors contribute to the development of a subset of human cancers, the cause for many cancers remains unknown. The application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has expanded knowledge in the field of hereditary cancer predisposition. Currently, more than 100 cancer predisposing genes have been identified, and it is now estimated that approximately 10% of all cancer patients have an underlying genetic predisposition. The purpose of this protocol is to identify novel cancer predisposing genes and/or genetic variants. For this study, the investigators will establish a Data Registry linked to a Repository of biological samples. Health information, blood samples and occasionally leftover tumor samples will be collected from individuals with familial cancer. The investigators will use NGS approaches to find changes in genes that may be important in the development of familial cancer. The information gained from this study may provide new and better ways to diagnose and care for people with hereditary cancer. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: * Establish a registry of families with clustering of cancer in which clinical data are linked to a repository of cryopreserved blood cells, germline DNA, and tumor tissues from the proband and other family members. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: * Identify novel cancer predisposing genes and/or genetic variants in families with clustering of cancer for which the underlying genetic basis is unknown.

Testing the Combination of Two Immunotherapy Drugs (Nivolumab and Ipilimumab) in Children, Adolescent, and Young Adult Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Cancers That Have an Increased Number of Genetic Changes, The 3CI Study

This phase Ib trial investigates the side effects of the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab, and to see how well they work in treating patients with cancers that have come back (relapsed) or does not respond to treatment (refractory) and have an increased number of genetic changes. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab and ipilimumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is the total amount of genetic changes or "mutations" found in tumor cells. Some studies in adults with cancer have shown that patients with a higher TMB (an increased number of genetic changes) are more likely to respond to immunotherapy drugs. There is also evidence that nivolumab and ipilimumab can shrink or stabilize cancer in adult patients with cancer. This study is being done to help doctors learn if the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab can help children, adolescents, and young adults patients live longer.