Liquid Biopsy in Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes
Germany60 participantsStarted 2023-05-20
Plain-language summary
The main objective of the study is to assess whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be detected in the peripheral blood of patients with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) by diagnostic leukapheresis (DLA) combined with the CELLSEARCH® System during clinical routine workup. If CTCs can be identified, a detailed molecular genetic analysis will be performed to characterize mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In addition, the study aims to analyze cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in serum of patients.
Individuals with PNS and high- or intermediate-risk or GAD65-antibodies with a detectable tumor (PNS+T), PNS patients with high- or intermediate-risk or GAD65-antibodies without detectable tumor (PNS w/o T), and matched tumor patients without PNS (T w/o PNS) will be included in the study.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) and high- or intermediate-risk or GAD65-antibodies or
* Patients with peripheral tumors without PNS
Exclusion Criteria:
* Age below 18 years at the time of inclusion.
* Any mental condition impairing the capacity to provide informed consent.
* Presence of contraindications to DLA.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.