Rare Disease

The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of EpiSign software and an integrated DNA methylation and copy number variant (CNV) microarray technology in helping to diagnose individuals with rare diseases. EpiSign is a proprietary technology developed by EpiSign Inc. that uses DNA methylation patterns as biomarkers for rare diseases, including genetic disorders and conditions associated with environmental exposures. DNA methylation microarrays measure DNA methylation levels at specific locations across the genome. CNV microarray technology uses a similar approach to identify gains or losses of DNA. CNV microarray analysis is an established methodology used in the diagnosis of rare diseases. The first phase of the study will assess the utility of EpiSign analysis using standard EPIC DNA methylation microarrays as part of the diagnostic assessment of individuals with suspected rare diseases. The second phase will assess the utility of EpiSign analysis using newly developed integrated EPIC/CNV microarrays and evaluate the technical performance of these microarrays in detecting CNVs, as part of the diagnostic assessment of individuals with suspected rare diseases. Patients with suspected rare diseases will be recruited from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. Participants will provide a blood sample, which will be used to analyse their DNA methylation profile and detect CNVs. The study is expected to last approximately 24 months from study initiation.

As part of the French Genomic Medicine Plan 2025 (FGM), the SeqOIA and AURAGEN platforms were selected to perform high-throughput genomic sequencing. The SONCO (Sequencing Oncology Cohort) project combines their medical and economic evaluations into a single national cohort. Its objective is to assess the impact of genomic sequencing on care pathways and treatment recommendations by collecting indicators related to quality, turnaround time, and patient information. Clinical data are gathered from molecular tumor board reports (via SPICE and HYGEN) and from hospital medical records. This cohort is intended to support public health decision-making and help anticipate the organization of future genomic platforms.

The purpose of this registry is to collect retrospective and prospective standardized data of patients treated with particle therapy, either with protons or carbon ions, at the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO) based in Pavia. By keeping track of the patients treated, it will allow the investigators to periodically analyze and evaluate data collected of daily clinical activity. This will help gathering more information on the results of particle therapy and will provide the basis for in depth evaluation of patients' outcome with respect to the delivered treatment.