Clinical Research Directory

EpiSign International: Expanding Epigenomic Testing in Rare Disease

The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of EpiSign software and an integrated DNA methylation and copy number variant (CNV) microarray technology in helping to diagnose individuals with rare diseases. EpiSign is a proprietary technology developed by EpiSign Inc. that uses DNA methylation patterns as biomarkers for rare diseases, including genetic disorders and conditions associated with environmental exposures. DNA methylation microarrays measure DNA methylation levels at specific locations across the genome. CNV microarray technology uses a similar approach to identify gains or losses of DNA. CNV microarray analysis is an established methodology used in the diagnosis of rare diseases. The first phase of the study will assess the utility of EpiSign analysis using standard EPIC DNA methylation microarrays as part of the diagnostic assessment of individuals with suspected rare diseases. The second phase will assess the utility of EpiSign analysis using newly developed integrated EPIC/CNV microarrays and evaluate the technical performance of these microarrays in detecting CNVs, as part of the diagnostic assessment of individuals with suspected rare diseases. Patients with suspected rare diseases will be recruited from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. Participants will provide a blood sample, which will be used to analyse their DNA methylation profile and detect CNVs. The study is expected to last approximately 24 months from study initiation.

Longitudinal Registry Including Patients Treated With Heavy Particles

The purpose of this registry is to collect retrospective and prospective standardized data of patients treated with particle therapy, either with protons or carbon ions, at the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO) based in Pavia. By keeping track of the patients treated, it will allow the investigators to periodically analyze and evaluate data collected of daily clinical activity. This will help gathering more information on the results of particle therapy and will provide the basis for in depth evaluation of patients' outcome with respect to the delivered treatment.

Idiopathic Diseases of Man

This research is being done to learn more about possible genetic causes of currently undiagnosed conditions, and to find out how the development of new technologies, such as DNA sequencing, can increase knowledge of the role genetic variants play in disorders and possibly how genetic variants may help de-termine the best treatment options. The recent development of new technologies has increased our ability to understand how genetic mutations are associated with disease. Using these technologies to find the genetic variants responsible for rare diseases is a rapidly growing field and has already begun to transform the way conditions with unknown causes are diagnosed and treated. Hypothesis: Identification of new genomic variants associated with idiopathic diseases and/or diseases of unknown etiology will advance medical knowledge about rare and common diseases.