Blood tests to track gastrointestinal cancer after treatment
Systematic liquid biopsy to monitor residual disease and treatment efficacy in gastrointestinal cancer patients
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11136278
This project explores if a special blood test can find tiny amounts of cancer left after surgery and help guide further treatment for people with gastrointestinal cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11136278 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Even after successful surgery for cancers like Stage III colorectal cancer, tiny amounts of cancer cells can sometimes remain, which might cause the cancer to return. This research aims to use a special blood test, called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), to find these hidden cancer cells early. We want to see if detecting ctDNA can help us predict who might have a higher risk of their cancer coming back. The project will also explore if giving additional treatments based on ctDNA results can help clear these remaining cells and improve the chances of a lasting cure, potentially changing how we approach follow-up care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with gastrointestinal cancers, particularly Stage III colorectal cancer, who have undergone or are considering curative intent treatment.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer has not been surgically removed or who are not receiving adjuvant therapy may not directly benefit from this specific monitoring approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help doctors identify patients who need more treatment after surgery and potentially prevent cancer recurrence, leading to more cures.
How similar studies have performed: While ctDNA is a promising biomarker, this specific application to detect minimal residual disease and guide additional therapy in gastrointestinal cancer is a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PARIKH, APARNA RAJ — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: PARIKH, APARNA RAJ
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.