Analyzing blood samples for pediatric solid tumors

Liquid Biopsies in Non-CNS Malignant Pediatric Solid Tumors

Children's Hospital Los Angeles · NCT05068583

This study is trying to see if blood tests can help track how well treatment is working for kids with solid tumors by looking for cancer-related material in their blood.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment320 (estimated)
Ages6 Months and up
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital Los Angeles (other)
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT05068583 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to determine the feasibility of detecting tumor-derived material in the blood of pediatric patients with solid tumors. By collecting serial blood samples from patients at various stages of treatment, including before, during, and after therapy, the study will analyze cell-free DNA, RNA, and other tumor-related substances. The findings will be correlated with traditional disease evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of liquid biopsies in monitoring disease progression and treatment response.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 6 months to 21 years with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory high-grade solid tumors.

Not a fit: Patients with CNS malignancies or those under 6 months of age may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method for monitoring pediatric solid tumors, improving disease management and patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While liquid biopsies have shown promise in adult cancers, their application in pediatric solid tumors is still being explored, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Newly diagnosed, relapsed, or refractory histologically confirmed high grade bone or soft tissue sarcoma or malignant renal, thyroid, germ cell, or hepatic tumors, OR
* Healthy individual with no history of cancer or chronic medical problems and \< 21 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* CNS Malignancies
* Individuals \< 6 months of age

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pediatric Solid Tumor, Unspecified, Protocol Specific

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.