Clinical trials

In Austria, patients with rectal cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body are typically treated with either total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) or immunotherapy, depending on their microsatellite status (DNA repair capacity). However, treatment can vary considerably between hospitals in Austria. These differences may include the type and duration of treatment, as well as the active ingredients used. There are currently no clear recommendations on which exact treatment is best for each specific case. The aim of this observational study is to collect information on the different treatments used in Austria for patients with localized rectal cancer and to document the outcomes of these treatments. Only information and samples collected as part of the patients' routine care will be used for the study. Participation in the study will not change or affect the treatment chosen by the treating physician.

The goal of this performance study is to learn if treatment with neoadjuvant endocrine therapy compared to chemotherapy has comparable efficacy, but better quality of life outcomes in endocrine responsive participants with early and locally advanced ER+/HER2-negative breast cancer and no detectable ctDNA in peripheral blood. The main question it aims to answer is: Is neoadjuvant endocrine therapy at least equivalent to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for treatment of patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer with no detectable ctDNA (as assessed with the SignateraTM test) prior to treatment start and a Ki-67-value smaller or equal to 10% after 3 weeks of initial aromatase inhibitor treatment (=endocrine responsive). Researchers will compare neoadjuvant Standard of Care aromatase inhibitors (AI) or tamoxifen, if AI is not tolerated, with neoadjuvant Standard of Care chemotherapy to see if treatment efficacy is at least comparable between the treatment arms, when measured with the modified preoperative endocrine prognostic index (PEPI) score at surgery. Participants will: * Provide blood and tumor samples for ctDNA-assessment with the SignateraTM test by Natera prior to treatment starts * Take AI therapy for 4 weeks in the initial Run-in phase * Undergo tumor biopsy after 3 weeks of AI for local evaluation of Ki-67 * Receive either 8 months of neoadjuvant Standard of Care AI/ tamoxifen or 6-8 months of neoadjuvant Standard of Care chemotherapy in one of the three treatment arms of the Main Treatment Phase, depending on SignateraTM test result and Ki-67 value after 3 weeks of AI therapy (see "detailed description" for details). * Visit the clinic for checkups and tests at timepoints: * Prior to starting trial treatment * 3 weeks after start of endocrine treatment in the Run-in phase * Approx. 1 week later, prior to start of Main Treatment * After half of the therapy in the Main Therapy Phase has been completed * Once Main Treatment Phase treatment is complete (after 7-9 months overall) * For surgery and post-surgery checkup * Annually during the 5 years follow-up phase after surgery. * A subset of patients, who receive adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery, are asked to come to site for an additional visit after completion of chemotherapy. * Provide blood samples for ctDNA-assessment and future research when visiting the clinic * Answer patient-reported questionnaires about their quality of life, symptoms and sexual health