AMBER-Studie

Breaking new ground in Early Detection, Together!

Ein orangefarbenes Logo mit einer stilisierten Weinglasform oben und einer spiralförmigen Linie darunter. Darunter steht der Schriftzug „AMBER“ in Großbuchstaben.

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in Western countries, and the number of cases is rising. Contributing factors include excess weight and diabetes. Younger women are also affected more often today than they were just a few years ago.

At the same time, there is still no simple way to detect it early. Further investigation usually only takes place once there is already a suspicion, typically involving a surgical procedure such as a D&C (dilation and curettage).

But there is a promising new approach.

The Untapped Potential of Menstrual Fluid

Menstrual fluid contains cells from the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. These are precisely the cells that play a key role in many diseases. What makes this special is that the sample can be collected easily at home, without any help.

Though still little researched today, it could play a crucial role in the future: detecting changes in the body early, with no invasive procedure at all.

This is where the AMBER Study comes in!

We are studying menstrual fluid from healthy women and analysing, among other things, the so-called “biological age” of the cells. This can differ from a person’s actual age and is shaped by certain changes known as epigenetic processes.

Many studies have shown that such changes can occur years before a disease develops.

Our aim is to find out:
Can menstrual fluid help reveal these early changes?
And could it be used for prevention and early detection in the future?

Who Can Take Part?

You can join the study if you:

  • are between 18 and 50 years old
  • are in good health
  • have regular periods
  • are not using hormonal contraception (e.g. the pill)

How it works:

After a brief information session at the DKFZ Prevention Clinic, you will receive a sample kit to use at home. It contains a menstrual cup and a short questionnaire.
Samples are returned anonymously via a sample collection box.

Your contribution matters

Taking part will not bring you any direct personal benefit, as all samples are analysed anonymously. But it does make a difference!
With your support, you are helping to develop new approaches to early detection and contributing to better long-term health for women.

Get involved today!

Join the AMBER study and support important research.

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in Western countries. Driven by factors such as excess weight and diabetes, the number of cases continues to rise. Younger women are also affected more often today than in the past.

A major problem is that there are still no reliable methods for early detection. If a disease is suspected, a surgical procedure known as a D&C is often needed to make a diagnosis.

Yet there is a promising option: menstrual fluid. It contains cells from the endometrium and could help detect changes in the body at an early stage. Another advantage is that the sample can be collected easily at home, without any help. Even so, this approach has received little research attention so far.

Meet our AMBER Study Team

The AMBER study is being conducted jointly by the Heidelberg University Women's Hospital (Dr. Friederike Stroisch) and the German Cancer Research Center's Research Group for Computer-Assisted and Molecular Prevention (Prof. Dr. Ângela Gonçalves).

Contact

We will begin recruiting in mid-October. 
You can schedule an appointment now with the DKFZ Prevention Clinic by phone or email.

German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Prevention Clinic

Berliner Straße 45, 1st Floor

Phone: +49 6221/42 4143
Email: p.ambulanz@dkfz.de

Form

Form data is loaded ...