Analyzing blood samples for tumor DNA in soft tissue sarcoma patients
Official title: Circulating Tumor DNA Detection in Soft Tissue Sarcoma (DNA-TSAR)
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT03818412 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if blood samples from soft tissue sarcoma patients can help find tumor DNA to see if it can predict how likely the cancer is to come back after treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 17, 2019 |
| Main results expected | December 17, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 17, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03818412 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with high-risk extremity or retroperitoneal liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, or undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma who have available archival tissue from their diagnostic biopsy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with benign tumors, prior malignancies within the last five years, or those requiring neo-adjuvant chemotherapy may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This research focuses on collecting blood and tumor tissue samples from patients diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma to investigate circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). ctDNA is released into the bloodstream when tumor cells die, and it serves as a crucial biomarker for cancer detection, treatment response prediction, and disease monitoring. The study aims to assess the feasibility of detecting ctDNA in blood samples and to explore its correlation with the likelihood of disease recurrence after treatment. By understanding these biomarkers, researchers hope to improve cancer care and patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the ability to monitor soft tissue sarcoma and predict treatment responses, leading to better patient management.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker in various cancers, indicating that this approach is gaining traction in the field.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients must have histologically confirmed high-risk extremity or retroperitoneal liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. * Patients must have archival tissue from the diagnostic biopsy available. * Deemed appropriate for preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy and curative surgery following patient assessment by radiation oncologist and surgical oncologist. * Age 18 years or older. * Eastern Cooperative Group (ECOG) performance status ≤ 2 * Ability to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent document and comply with study requirements. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with benign histology * Patients with prior malignancy within previous 5 years or concurrent malignancy other than adequately treated basal cell carcinoma of skin or carcinoma in-situ of cervix. * Patients with planned neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. * Patients with regional nodal disease or unequivocal metastases * Uncontrolled inter-current illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements.
Where it's running
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Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Albiruni Razak, M.D. — Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
- Study coordinator: Albiruni Razak, M.D.
- Email: albiruni.razak@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-946-2000
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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68Ga-HX01 PET/CT Imaging in Soft Tissue Sarcoma patients
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Methionine-Reduced Diet in Solid Tumors (early-phase)
A small pilot study will test whether a methionine-reduced diet can change blood levels in adults with various solid tumors who are receiving standard cancer therapy.
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Preoperative Immunonutrition for bone and soft tissue sarcoma patients
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.