Join the FENOX Study
A study into the biology of uterine Fibroids and Endometriosis at Oxford University.
Why is this Study Important?
FENOX is a prospective study that aims to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of endometriosis and uterine fibroids and their associated symptoms by means of longitudinal observation and laboratory analyses.
Background
Millions of women worldwide suffer from endometriosis and uterine fibroids, conditions that result in pelvic and abdominal pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, and miscarriages. These health issues significantly impact the daily lives of women and their families and are associated with substantial socioeconomic costs. In the United States, uterine fibroids are responsible for over 50% of hysterectomies, with direct treatment costs estimated at $4-9 billion.
Current Diagnostic and Treatment Limitations
Currently, there are no clinically relevant, non-invasive diagnostic tests for many forms of endometriosis, which results in an average delay of 8-12 years in diagnosis. Available treatment options, such as hormonal therapies, surgical removal, and, in the case of fibroids, embolisation and MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), are associated with significant side effects and risks.
The Need for Improved Understanding and Treatment
There is a significant unmet clinical need to better understand the underlying mechanisms of endometriosis and uterine fibroids. A deeper understanding will enable the development of specific diagnostic tests and lead to individualized treatments with fewer side effects and greater efficacy. Achieving this goal requires the collection of high-quality, standardised clinical data and biological samples. Our group has been a leader in developing standard operating procedures and questionnaires for endometriosis as part of the World Endometriosis Research Foundation’s (WERF) Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project (EPHect) and is now working to establish similar standards in uterine fibroid research.
The FENOX Study
The FENOX (Fibroids and Endometriosis in Oxford) study seeks to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of endometriosis and uterine fibroids and their associated symptoms. This study will be conducted through longitudinal observation and laboratory analyses, with clinical data and samples collected from women undergoing surgery.
These samples will be used in advanced biomedical assays to better understand the biological mechanisms of these conditions, which will inform patient stratification, tailored therapies, and the development of novel drug targets and biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
Funding for this study has been obtained from the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health under the Oxford/Bayer-Alliance for Women’s Health.
Study Participation
Women attending clinics or admitted for surgery will be invited to participate in the FENOX study. Upon consent, participants will complete detailed questionnaires at baseline and at intervals (6-8 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and annually for 5 years) about their symptoms, medications, co-morbidities, and ethnicity.
In addition, participants will be asked to donate biological samples, including blood, urine, and saliva, at baseline, with optional follow-up samples after surgery. Tissue samples will also be collected at the time of surgery.
Key objectives of the FENOX Study
- To identify the underlying mechanisms of endometriosis and uterine fibroids and their associated symptoms to improve the outcome of affected women.
- To identify novel biomarkers of endometriosis.
- To identify clinical subgroups of endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
- To understand the genetics underlying these conditions and explore the relevant downstream molecular pathways.
- To investigate the relation between the presence of fibroids and the symptoms, e.g. abnormal uterine bleeding.
- To identify novel drug targets.
- To develop models of disease progression and prediction.
- To investigate conditions or symptoms associated with endometriosis and/or uterine fibroids, including: symptoms and characteristics of the female reproductive system (characteristics of menstrual bleeding, fertility, infertility, pregnancy outcomes), pelvic as well as non-pelvic pain conditions, metabolic phenotypes (polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), obesity and fat distribution), cardiovascular conditions and symptoms, neuroangiogenesis and related neurological symptoms, immunological disorders, and cancers.
The team
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Katy Vincent
Professor of Gynaecological Pain and Honorary Consultant Gynaecologist
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Sharon Westcar
Senior Clinical Research Operations Manager
How you can help
Our Clinical Research Group (CRG) are currently recruiting volunteers and collecting data for the study.
To volunteer or learn more about the Fenox study, please contact us (link below).
Your involvement is crucial in shaping the future of endometriosis diagnoses and care.
Withdrawal of Participants from Study
Each participant has the right to withdraw from the study at any time. In addition, the Investigator may discontinue a participant from the study at any time if the Investigator considers it necessary for any reason including: Pregnancy, Ineligibility (either arising during the study or retrospectively, having been missed at screening), Withdrawal of Consent, Loss to follow up, Loss of mental capacity. If you would like to be withdrawn from the study, please contact us at: gynaeresearchoxford@wrh.ox.ac.uk
By volunteering in medical research, you contribute to advancements that can improve countless lives and become a part of groundbreaking discoveries. Your efforts can spark change and inspire others, creating a ripple effect of positive impact. - Professor Krina Zondervan, Head of Nuffield Dept. of Women's & Reproductive Health