AESTEC

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Acceptable and efficient early screening tests for endometrial cancer

• IRAS ID

  287853

• Contact name

  Dharani Hapangama

• Contact email

  dharani@liv.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Liverpool

• Duration of Study in the UK

  3 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  We aim to examine the feasibility of developing an acceptable, and effective biomarker-based screening test, to identify those with an increased risk of endometrial cancer among women presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding.

  Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a common symptom in women after and leading up to menopause (post/peri-menopausal period) that can be a symptom of endometrial (womb-lining) cancer. However, only 1 in 10 women with these symptoms actually has endometrial cancer. The current standard investigation for suspected endometrial cancer involves a screening test with an internal ultrasound scan of the womb and ovaries. This intrusive test, uses a probe placed into the vagina and must be performed by a trained sonographer, usually in a hospital. If the scan is abnormal then the diagnosis needs an endometrial biopsy (tissue sample) via small operation. We aim to develop a more acceptable and effective screening test for women with symptoms of possible endometrial cancer that could be arranged in primary care to reduce the number of women needing intrusive, risky and expensive investigations in secondary care. This has even more pertinence due to the focus on reducing contact in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  This study will take place at Liverpool Women’s Hospital over 3 years. Women with symptoms of suspected endometrial cancer will be eligible for inclusion and recruited from the rapid access gynaecology clinic to one of 2 groups according to patient preference. Women in Group 1 will be given a questionnaire about the acceptability of 3 different sampling methods (urine test, blood sample, and vaginal fluid sample collected using a menstrual tampon). Women in Group 2 will be asked to provide the 3 sample types and completing acceptability questionnaire. The questionnaire and the samples will be analysed to assess their acceptability and efficiency as screening tests for endometrial cancer.

• REC name

  West of Scotland REC 5

• REC reference

  20/WS/0145

• Date of REC Opinion

  4 Nov 2020

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion