Current research trials

The following trials are being conducted at Barts and The London Gynaecological Cancer Centre.

1. PORTEC 3

This is an international study to compare the benefit of adding chemotherapy to the radiation treatment protocol for women with high risk or advanced endometrial cancer. Women who enrol in this study will be randomised to receive both chemotherapy and pelvic radiation or pelvic radiation alone. The principal investigator for the United Kingdom is Dr Melanie Powell, Consultant Clinical Oncologist. Dr Naveena Singh is one of two pathologists in the UK responsible for reviewing all cases to confirm the diagnosis and ensure the women are eligable before they are approached about the study.

2. NSECG

Women under the age of 65 with a diagnosis of endometrial cancer are invited to take part in an investigational study of the genetics of endometrial cancer. This study involves completing one questionnaire and giving one set of blood samples. All types of endometrial cancer are eligible.

3. UKCTOCS United Kingdom collaborative trial ovarian cancer screening.

This is a randomised trial of ovarian cancer screening in postmenopausal women aged between 50-74 years of age. The Chief Investigator is Professor Ian Jacobs from University College Hospital (UCL). 200,000 women will participate and will be randomly allocated either to the screening group, who will be screened every year for 6 years, or the control group, who will be followed up with questionnaires without screening. Of the 100,000 women in the screening group, half will have ultrasound scans whilst the other half will have the CA 125 blood test. Overall, the study will take 10 years to complete. Please note that this study is limited to women randomly invited from participating Health Authority registers.

4. The Scottish Gynaecological Cancer Trials Group DNA methylation study.

This study is sponsored by the National Cancer Research Network and involves collection of tumour tissue either at surgery or biopsy. The research aims to examine whether changes in the DNA within tumour cells can predict how well women with ovarian cancer will respond to chemotherapy and also predict for long-term survival.

5. Radical trachelectomy

Observational study on fertility sparing operation (radical trachelectomy) for women with early stage cervical cancer. Led by Professor John Shepherd and Mr Tom Ind, Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham & Chelsea.

6. ICON7

This is an international study for women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Following surgery for their ovarian cancer, patients will be randomly allocated to receive the current best standard chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel) or carboplatin and paclitaxel plus an antibody called bevicuzimab. Treatment with bevicuzimab will run alongside the standard chemotherapy and continue for up to 6 months afterwards. This trial is sponsored by the international Gynaecologic Cancer Intergroup and is supported by the National Cancer Research Network. The trial started in April 2007.

7. EPO906

This is a trial for women with ovarian cancer that has relapsed within 6 months of completing first line chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel (Taxol). Those who participate will be randomly allocated to receive standard chemotherapy with liposomal doxorubicin or a new drug called EPO906 (Patupilone).

8. BIBF1199 trial

This is a randomised trial of continuous maintenance treatment with a new drug called BIBF1120 following chemotherapy in patients with relapsed ovarian cancer. Women with ovarian cancer who have had a good response to previous chemotherapy will be invited to take part. The trial involves taking tablets twice per day for up to a year following the end of chemotherapy. This study is supported by the National Cancer Research Network.

9. CNTO328

This is a trial for women with relapsed ovarian cancer that has not responded to conventional chemotherapy. It is being run jointly by Professor Balkwill and Dr McNeish. Women who participate will receive treatment with a new antibody called CNTO328 every two weeks for up to one year. This trial is being supported by the Medical Research Council.

10. Pathology

Dr Naveena Singh and Dr Asma Faruqi are currently involved in a research project on the prognostic significance of invasive front grading in cervical cancer.