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Development of MRF for Characterization of Brain Tumors After Radiotherapy
The purpose of this study is to discover the potential convenience and ease of using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique, named Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (or MRF), to achieve high-quality images within a short scan time of 5 min for viewing the entire brain. This is an advanced quantitative assessment of brain tissues. This method is being applied with IVIM MRI to be able to tell the difference between a brain with radiation necrosis and a brain with tumor recurrence. Participants will consist of individuals who have received radiation therapy in the past and were diagnosed with radiation necrosis, individuals with recurrent tumors, individuals with...
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Development of New Personalised 3D Preclinical Models of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours
The goal of this prospective observational study is to generate new personalised 3D preclinical models of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The models will be exploited for studying the mechanisms underlying disease development and progression, as well as for performing drug testing. For the development of the newly proposed models, patients' surgical specimens will be evaluated by the Pathological Unit. If the presence of pathological material in excess, not required for the routine diagnostic procedure, is confirmed, such material will be employed for the generation of the proposed personalised models.
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Development of Therapeutic Approaches Modulating Molecular Targets Implicated on Cancer Stem Cell-related Aggressiveness
Tumors of the central nervous system affect 21 people per 100,000 every year, a figure that refers to countries with advanced economies, with an increase in incidence over time. Experimental evidence suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs) may play a key role in the malignancy of these tumors. In fact, due to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, these cells are able to create compensatory pathways that confer stem-like, angiogenic and pro-tumoral functions. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that brain tumor stem cells are radio- and chemo-resistant and therefore not treatable with the therapeutic protocols currently in use. To date, in fact, there are no definitive treatments for...
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Device Assisted Full Thickness Resection Versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumors
Introduction : The incidence of duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (DNETs) is increasing. Endoscopic resection is recommended for the management of small DNETs measuring ≤10 mm. Various endoscopic techniques have been utilized for the resection of DNETs including endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), band ligation assisted EMR, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, the published studies report a high rate of histologically incomplete resection even with ESD. More recently, device assisted endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) has emerged as a safe and effective resection modality in cases with upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal as well as submucosal lesions....
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DFMO as Maintenance Therapy for Molecular High/Very High Risk and Relapsed Medulloblastoma
Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) will be used in an open label, multicenter, study as Maintenance Therapy for Molecular High Risk/Very High Risk and Relapsed/Refractory Medulloblastoma.
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Diagnosis; Objective RespOnse; THErApy
Thi is a prospective and low-intervention clinical trial. We propose to design a panel of "core" genetic alterations by sequencing Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) DNA in patients with confirmed or suspicious Primary Central Neurvous System Lymphoma (PCNSL) with the aim to improve diagnostic sensitivity, response assessment and monitoring early CNS relapse in routine practice. Enrolled patients will receive conventional treatments according to well-established international guidelines, DNA assessments will not influence the treatment choices.
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Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma
The goal of this study is to develop better methods of diagnosis, localization, and treatment for pheochromocytomas. These tumors, which usually arise from the adrenal glands, are often difficult to detect with current methods. Pheochromocytomas release chemicals called catecholamines, causing high blood pressure. Undetected, the tumors can lead to severe medical consequences, including stroke, heart attack and sudden death, in situations that would normally pose little or no risk, such as surgery, general anesthesia or childbirth. Patients with pheochromocytoma may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history and physical examination,...
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Diagnostic Assessment of Amino Acid PET/MRI in the Evaluation of Glioma and Brain Metastases
MRI is used in clinical routine for diagnosing brain tumors, but has limitations in identifying tumor grade, true tumor extension and differentiate viable tumor tissue from treatment induced changes and recurrences. Amino acid PET has demonstrated a great potential for defining true tumor volume, differentiate viable tumor tissue from postoperative changes or radiation necrosis, selection of biopsy site, non-invasive grading of gliomas and for treatment planning and therapy response assessment. By combining PET with MRI, the diagnostic accuracy can improve significantly for these patients. More research is however needed to compare the most promising amino acid PET tracers in...
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Diagnostic Performance of Fluorescein as an Intraoperative Brain Tumor Biomarker
This clinical research will evaluate the diagnostic potential of fluorescein as visualized through an operating microscope relative to 1) contrast enhancement on co-registered preoperative MR scans, 2) intraoperative ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence and 3) gold-standard histology obtained from biopsy sampling during the procedure. Subjects will include those people with operable brain tumor with first-time presumed pre-surgical diagnosis of high-grade glioma or low-grade glioma.
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DICER1-related Pleuropulmonary Blastoma Cancer Predisposition Syndrome: A Natural History Study
Background: - Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare fast-growing lung tumor that is associated with other, rare tumor types. Most cases of PPB appear in children younger than 6 years of age. Recently, it has been shown that this condition can be inherited (e.g., mutation of the DICER1 gene). Researchers are studying both clinical and genetic aspects of this newly described condition. They are interested in collecting further medical history and genetic information on individuals and close relatives of individuals who have PPB or other rare associated tumors. Objectives: - To study individuals with a personal or a family history of...
