Clinical trials

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) often face unique challenges during and after treatment, including the onset of menopause-related symptoms. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a common concern in BCS undergoing endocrine therapy (ET). It is a chronic condition caused by estrogen deficiency, leading to vaginal and urinary symptoms such as dryness, irritation, pain during intercourse, recurrent infections, and urinary urgency. The prevalence of GSM in BCS varies widely depending on factors such as the type of ET, individual patient characteristics, and the duration of treatment. As such, the prevalence of GSM in BCS can range from 13% to 95.2%. A recent systematic review performed by part of the investigators of this study concludes that GSM is a significant problem for breast cancer patients. However, most studies lack a control group, limiting the results' validity. Therefore, this study aims to determine the extent of the GSM burden in BCS using a prospective, controlled cohort study. This study will compare breast cancer patients receiving endocrine therapy (ET) with those undergoing chemotherapy (CT), as CT may also induce GSM-like symptoms. In addition, a comparison will be made with healthy controls. For this study, two groups of participants are included: women with breast cancer and a healthy control group without breast cancer. Within the breast cancer group, a distinction is made between women receiving chemotherapy only and women undergoing hormone therapy only. All participants complete questionnaires. The control group completes these questionnaires once, whereas women with breast cancer are asked to complete the same questionnaires at multiple time points during their treatment and follow-up. This longitudinal approach allows us to assess how potential symptoms evolve over the course of treatment. By comparing responses between both groups, a clearer understanding of which symptoms occur more frequently in women with breast cancer as a consequence of their treatment can be obtained.

The ultimate goal of this research is to optimize care for patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery while alleviating pressure on hospital resources and staff. Furthermore, the study aims to generate policy-relevant data that can inform policymakers and healthcare providers in developing funding models and care pathways that balance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This could support a broader implementation of ambulatory bariatric surgery without compromising quality of care.

Longitudinal prospective observational data collection with questionnaires and categorical diagnostic and therapeutic registration and follow-up in spinal pathologies and neuromodulation

This study aims to explore patients' use of digital services for self-management of their health following major surgery at Jessa Hospital. Besides this, the study evaluates patients' ability to process and critically assess health information during recovery, their understanding of health concepts and risk factors, and their perception of data security and control over personal health information. Additionally, the study aims to examine patients' motivation to use digital services, their access to and trust in reliable digital health resources, and how well these services meet their individual needs. Furthermore, the study assesses the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of using digital health tools in a post-operative setting, as well as evaluating the digital readiness of patients after surgery.

This feasibility trial has three main objectives: * To investigate the impact of the transmural care pathway TOTeM on the Length of Stay (LOS) for patients undergoing robotic distal pancreatectomy. * To investigate the feasibility of the implementation of TOTeM for patients undergoing robotic distal pancreatic surgery, we will measure the recruitment rate by tracking the number of eligible patients who are approached for participation, the percentage who consent to join the study over a specified time period, and the adherence rate which describes how well participants follow the study protocol including the prescribed interventions or follow-up assessments. * Assessment of the potential changes in medical costs and outcomes for the purpose of performing a cost-effectiveness analysis from a hospital and patient perspective.

This study aims to evaluate whether patients recognize a need for a remote monitoring care pathway during the post-operative period following major surgery at Jessa Hospital by means of a semi- structured interview. Besides this, the study explores patient perceptions and willingness to participate in digital monitoring care pathways, identifies potential barriers to adoption, and addressing concerns related to safety, data security, and privacy. Additionally, the study aims to assess patient needs regarding parameter collection, technology usage, and the overall functionality of digital monitoring systems, while evaluating the perceived usefulness of such a pathway in post-operative care.

This study aims to compare the efficacy and quality of pain relief provided by the high-dose serratus anterior plane (SAP) block with the standard SAP block in preventing and treating acute postoperative pain after total endoscopic aortic or mitral valve surgery.

The goal of this study is to compare the anesthetic combination iPACK with femoral triangle block versus surgical LIA for unilateral TKA. We hypothesize that an iPACK block with femoral triangle block is non-inferior to surgical LIA. Furthermore, due to visualization of the relevant neural and vascular structures, the risk of accidental popliteal block, nerve damage or LAST with (a blindly performed) LIA could theoretically be reduced.

It is well known that scar tissue on the heart muscle can cause (life-threatening) arrhythmias. However, the exact cause of this scar tissue is not entirely clear. It is possible that prolonged and intense exercise is associated with (limited) inflammation of the heart muscle, carrying the risk of scar tissue development. The aim of this project is to evaluate the impact of prolonged and intense exercise on the heart. Participants will be asked to cycle for a total of 3 hours, of which 2 hours will be at an intense pace. Approximately 30 recreational cyclists will be invited to participate in this research project. Specifically, the investigators want to examine whether prolonged and intense exercise is associated with inflammation of the heart muscle and whether it affects heart function recovery. The research project will take place in a laboratory setting, where heart rate, blood pressure, food and fluid intake, and exertion level will be monitored. Before, after and 20-24h after the intense exercise, a lab test and extensive heart imaging will be performed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cardiac ultrasound. The investigators aim to study the effect of ketone intake (a dietary supplement that may enhance performance or recovery) on recovery. For this, a double blind cross-over design will be setup. Participants will complete the same exercise twice, with a 1-3 week interval, once with a placebo and once with ketones. All the same baseline, post-exercise and recovery investigations will be perfromed. In the second part of the study, the investigators will evaluate and compare various rhythm-monitoring devices, both during intense exercise and in daily life. For this, participants will be asked to wear each of four devices for one week in a home setting. These are very small devices that are not externally visible when worn under clothing. Participation in this project will involve a various questionnaires and tests.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the prevention and management of radiotherapy-induced vaginal toxicity (RIVT). Therefore, we hypothesize that PBMT can reduce the severity of RIVT in gynecological cancer patients, increasing the patient's QoL and sexual functioning.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) in the prevention and management of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). Therefore, we hypothesize that PBMT can reduce the severity of CIA in gynecological and breast cancer patients, increasing the patient's QoL.

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a side effect of chemotherapy. HFS is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands and/or soles of the feet, which can progress to blistering. Hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) refers to symptoms affecting the hands and/or feet associated with multikinase inhibitors (TKIs). HFS and HFSR are painful complications that can lead to compromised daily activities, sleep-wake disturbance and impaired mobility, eventually decreasing Quality of Life (QoL). Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a non-invasive therapy based on the application of visible and/or near-infrared light produced by a laser diode or a light-emitting diode. The scientifically proven biologic effects of PBM are improved wound healing, and a reduction in pain, inflammation, and oedema. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of PBMT in the management of HFS and HFSR.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Therefore, the hypothesis is that PBM can reduce the severity of CIPN in cancer patients, increasing the patient's quality of life.

Up to one out of five patients with breast cancer will develop lymphedema in the upper extremity after cancer treatment. Patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) suffer from pain, heaviness, tightness, and a decreased range of motion. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a non-invasive therapy based on the application of visible and/or near-infrared light produced by a laser diode or a light-emitting diode. The scientifically proven biologic effects of PBM are improved wound healing, and a reduction in pain, inflammation, and oedema. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of PBMT on the management of BCRL.

DFNA9 (Deafness Autosomal Dominant 9) is an autosomal dominant hereditary hearing loss which is associated with vestibular deterioration. The most recent genotype-phenotype correlation studies have been conducted more than 15 years ago. Meanwhile, emerging and valuable vestibular tests have been added to the vestibular test battery. These tests were not available at the time of the correlation studies. The aim of this study is to carry out a prospective cross-sectional study on symptomatic and presymptomatic affected carriers of the Pro51Ser (P51S) Coagulation Factor C Homology (COCH) mutation in order to correlate vestibular data using the complete vestibular test battery with the known data on hearing and vestibular function in relation to age.

In 2014 radiologic lesions were detected at one or more semicircular canals using CT and MR imaging of temporal bone in subjects carrying the p.P51S mutation in COCH. These lesions are believed to present at more advanced stages of the hearing and vestibular deterioration. Since then, other authors have described similar lesions in advanced non-genetic hearing and vestibular impairment as well. The purpose of this study is therefore to assess the radiologic investigation using CT and MR imaging of temporal bone to all subjects presenting with bilateral vestibulopathy, using the Barany criteria, compared to the p.P51S population.