Research OutSmarts Endometriosis II Study

Endometriosis is a chronic, complex, and common gynecologic disorder characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissues outside of the uterus that is accompanied by inflammation. One of the most frustrating problems for those with endometriosis is the long delay before being diagnosed, which can be up to 7-10 years. One of the reasons for this delay is that definitive diagnosis requires invasive surgery (Tomassetti et al, 2021 PMID: 34690084). There are no approved non-invasive methods for predicting endometriosis. This study will assess the analysis of fresh menstrual blood as a non-invasive predictor of endometriosis. This approach is based on the numerous reports documenting the differences in the endometrium of women with and without endometriosis; this endometrium is shed each month as menstrual blood which can be easily collected and analyzed. Through this prospective, non-interventional pilot study the investigators propose to collect and analyze menstrual blood from healthy controls without chronic symptoms of endometriosis and symptomatic women who have significant and chronic symptoms suggestive of endometriosis and are considered by their healthcare providers to be candidates for diagnostic laparoscopic surgery in the coming months (as part of their standard care). Menstrual blood from controls and symptomatic cases will be analyzed using single cell RNA-sequencing to develop a panel of biomarkers that can be developed into a screening test or diagnostic test for endometriosis.

The primary objectives of this study are to confirm the results of our recent single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) analysis of menstrual effluent obtained from healthy controls vs. endometriosis (and symptomatic subjects) obtained through IRB 13-376 and to develop a screening/ diagnostic algorithm (menstrual global (MG) score) based on the data to be used to predict endometriosis in symptomatic patients.

The secondary objective is to assess the reproducibility of the scRNA-Sequencing data using menstrual blood collected across different menstrual cycles among a subset of controls and/or cases (symptomatic patients).

There are no existing commercially available products for the diagnostic analysis of cells or tissues present in menstrual effluent for endometriosis or any other condition. To our knowledge this is no commercially available product for predicting endometriosis using peripheral blood or other biological specimens (other than the analysis of ectopic endometriosis lesions themselves). Currently, definitive diagnosis of endometriosis requires laparoscopic surgery and pathological analysis of the removed ectopic lesions.

Inclusion criteria

For All

• 18 to 40 year old menstruating women (continue to get cycles)
• More than a light menstrual flow (light flow is soaking less than 1 thin pad or light tampon in 4 hours at peak flow)
• Willingness to provide two menstrual samples across two separate menstrual cycles.
• Willingness to provide a DNA sample (obtained via menstrual blood or cheek swab)

For Controls:

•General Absence of *symptoms suggestive of endometriosis which includes: 1-Chronic pelvic pain 2-Painful menses 3-Pain during intercourse 4-Pain going to the bathroom 5-Abdominal bloating (BUT MUST NOT Include): 6-Report of missed days of work, school, athletic,social and/or other activities due to related pain and discomfort

For Symptomatic:

• Consistently Experiencing chronic symptoms of endometriosis*
• Without definitive diagnosis (i.e. pathology report following diagnostic surgery)
• Seeking physician evaluation (considered by physician to be a candidate for laproscopic surgery
• Willingness to provide at least one of the menstrual samples PRIOR to planned surgery
• Surgical and pathological confirmation of endo (or NOT)

Exclusion criteria

For All:

• under age 18 or over 40 years
• Unable/unwilling to provide a menstrual sample
• Light menstrual flow (light flow is soaking less than 1 thin pad or light tampon in 4 hours at peak flow)
• Diagnosed with endometriosis

CONTROL:

• More than 1 symptom of endometriosis*
• Report of missed days of work, school, athletic, social and/or other activities due to related pain and discomfort

Symptomatic:

Unable to provide a menstrual sample prior to surgery