Menstrual Cup for Early Endometrial Cancer Detection in Lynch Syndrome
Menstrual Cup-based Endometrial Collection as an Alternative to Endometrial Biopsy in Lynch Syndrome Patients
Who can join
As published by the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. "Not stated" means the study hasn't said — ask the study team.
- Age
- 18 Years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Compensation
- Not stated
Other requirements are listed under Eligibility below. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.
What to expect
No one can promise a trial will help you personally — that is what the research is trying to find out.
What participation involves
- Procedures mentioned: Biopsies, Questionnaires
Only what the study's summary and detailed description on ClinicalTrials.gov say. Time periods may describe the whole study or a part of it — ask the study team what applies to you.
Show the study's own words
- "Are the samples from the menstrual cup as useful for diagnosis as samples taken using the usual method (called an endometrial biopsy or EMB)? 3."
- "Can scientists grow small lab models of the uterus (called organoids) from the menstrual cup samples and from biopsy samples?"
- "What Will Happen in the Study: * Participants will use a menstrual cup at home to collect menstrual blood. * They will also have a standard endometrial biopsy done by a healthcare provider. * After both collections, participants will fill out a short survey about how comfortable and easy it was to use the menstrual cup."
- "Main pilot study Prospective feasibility study including 20 female Lynch syndrome (LS) carriers undergoing annual endometrial biopsy for endometrial cancer surveillance or suspected endometrial pathology will provide a one-time menstrual cup-based endometrial collection and endometrial biopsy specimen."
- "Patient satisfaction and feasibility will be monitored through patient and provider questionnaires."
- Compensation
- Not stated
- Study-related exams and procedures are typically provided at no cost. This is how many trials work in general — confirm the details for this study with the study team.
- Participants are monitored closely by the research team throughout the study.
- Some participants may receive access to an investigational treatment, which is still being studied.
- Your participation helps researchers learn whether this approach could help future patients.
About this study
Study Goal: This pilot study wants to find out if using a menstrual cup can be a good, non-invasive way to collect samples from the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) to help screen for endometrial cancer. This is especially important for women who have a higher chance of getting this cancer, such as those with a genetic condition called Lynch syndrome. Main Questions the Study Will Answer: 1. Can a menstrual cup collect enough uterine lining (endometrial tissue) for doctors to examine under a microscope? 2. Are the samples from the menstrual cup as useful for diagnosis as samples taken using the usual method (called an endometrial biopsy or EMB)? 3. Is using a menstrual cup at home easy, effective, and comfortable for participants? 4. Can scientists grow small lab models of the uterus (called organoids) from the menstrual cup samples and from biopsy samples? What Will Happen in the Study: * Participants will use a menstrual cup at home to collect menstrual blood. * They will also have a standard endometrial biopsy done by a healthcare provider. * After both collections, participants will fill out a short survey about how comfortable and easy it was to use the menstrual cup. What the Study Will Measure: * Feasibility: How well participants are able to use the menstrual cup and send in the sample. * Sample Quality: Whether the menstrual cup collects enough good-quality tissue for testing, and how it compares to biopsy samples. * Participant Experience: How women feel about using the menstrual cup, based on the survey. * Lab Testing: Whether researchers can successfully grow endometrial organoids from both types of samples. Why This Study Matters: If this method works, it could offer a gentler, more convenient way for women to get checked for endometrial cancer-especially those who need regular screening. It could also make it easier to collect samples for research and improve early detection of cancer.
Compensation is read from the study's own description and may be missing — always confirm with the study team.
Eligibility
Official eligibility criteria
Pre-pilot study Inclusion criteria: * Individuals over the age of 18 * Menstruating Exclusion criteria: * Levonorgestrel intrauterine device (IUD) in situ or removed within the last 30 days prior to sample collection * Patients with prior endometrial ablation * Prior history of endometrial cancer or endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia * History of germline pathologic germline variant in MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or EPCAM * Known allergy against menstrual cup material (silicone) Main Study Inclusion criteria * LS carrier with a pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variant in MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or EPCAM * Individuals over the age of 18 * Planned screening EMB * Menstruating * Ability to give consent Exclusion criteria: * Current pregnancy * Levonorgestrel IUD in situ or removed within the last 30 days prior to sample collection * Patients with prior endometrial ablation * Prior history of endometrial cancer * Known allergy against menstrual cup material (silicone)
Study sites (1)
MA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · Boston, MA 02215Jessica D St. Laurent, MD · Study contact · 4135635543 · jdstlaurent@bwh.harvard.eduLaura Wollborn, MD · Study contact · 617 ext. 5823347 · lwollborn@bwh.harvard.eduJessica D St. Laurent, MD · Principal investigatorMore trials in Boston