ASCEND-CRC: Testing personalized drug combinations for metastatic colorectal cancer
Official title: ASCEND-CRC: Profiling and Targeting Dynamic Tumor Resistance in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT07318389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re testing whether giving targeted drug combinations based on each patient’s tumor features can help control metastatic colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, Radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 22, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 14, 2027 |
| Study ends | November 14, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07318389 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with metastatic colorectal cancer whose tumors are non-MSI-H/pMMR, measurable by RECIST, and suitable for biopsy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without the targeted biomarkers or without suitability for biopsy may not see benefit from this approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This early-phase study looks at how tumors respond to personalized treatment plans built from biopsy and biomarker data. Part I compares progression-free survival based on different molecular markers, while Part II tests new intervention strategies to improve outcomes. Researchers will collect tissue and blood samples over time and track responses to standard therapies or investigational regimens. The study also reports overall response rate and overall survival in relation to specific biomarkers and adaptive treatment choices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience longer control of their cancer and improved survival with personalized treatment plans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous personalized-therapy studies in colorectal cancer have shown promise but this exact biomarker-guided, adaptive approach is still being explored in early-phase trials.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility Criteria * The participant has a histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnosis of colorectal cancer. * Confirmation of non-MSI-H/pMMR status. * Tumor that is measurable as per RECIST v1.1 and biopsy able, defined as lesion/tumor that can be biopsied without undue risk. * Age ≥ 18 years. * ECOG performance status 0-2. * Due to the potential teratogenic effect of chemotherapy, women of child-bearing potential must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry, for the duration of study participation, and for an adequate amount of time following end of treatment based on the SOC indications for the administered regimen (Refer to Pregnancy Assessment Policy MD Anderson Institutional Policy # CLN1114). This includes all female participants, between the onset of menses and 55 years unless the participant presents with an applicable exclusionary factor which may be one of the following: * Postmenopausal (no menses in greater than or equal to 12 consecutive months). * History of hysterectomy or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. * Ovarian failure (Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Estradiol in menopausal range, who have received Whole Pelvic Radiation Therapy). * History of bilateral tubal ligation or another surgical sterilization procedure. * Approved methods of birth control are as follows: Hormonal contraception (i.e. birth control pills, injection, implant, transdermal patch, vaginal ring), Intrauterine device (IUD), Tubal Ligation or hysterectomy, Subject/Partner post vasectomy, Implantable or injectable contraceptives, and condoms plus spermicide. Not engaging in sexual activity for the total duration of the trial and the drug washout period is an acceptable practice; however periodic abstinence, the rhythm method, and the withdrawal method are not acceptable methods of birth control. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately. * Men treated or enrolled on this protocol must also agree to use adequate contraception prior to the study, for the duration of study participation, and for an adequate amount of time following end of treatment based on the SOC indications for the administered regimen. * The participant is willing and able to sign the informed consent in compliance with protocol requirements, including mandatory biopsies. Exclusion Criteria * Pregnancy. * Participants with concurrent or recent (less than 1 year before consent) malignancies that have the potential to interfere with the study safety and/or endpoint assessments will be excluded. * Participants for whom there is an intent to proceed to curative therapy (i.e., resection) will be excluded. * Participants who have undergone treatment with both oxaliplatin and irinotecan in the metastatic setting will be excluded. Treatment with oxaliplatin in the adjuvant setting with relapse within 6 months will be counted as treatment in the metastatic setting for the purpose of this criterium. * For participants who have undergone treatment for metastatic disease, participants who have not progressed (clinically or radiographically) on the most recent therapy will be excluded. * Concurrent participation in any other interventional trial.
Where it's running
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MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Scott Kopetz, MD — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Scott Kopetz, MD
- Email: skopetz@mdanderson.org
- Phone: 713-792-2828
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Becotatug Vedotin plus Pucotenlimab for EGFR-positive metastatic colorectal cancer
This study tests whether combining becotatug vedotin with pucotenlimab can shrink tumors in adults with colorectal cancer that has returned or spread after at least two prior treatments and whose tumors express EGFR.
-
DEM301 in advanced colorectal cancer: a first-in-human test
This first-in-human Phase 1 study tests DEM301 in adults with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer to see if it is safe, how it behaves in the body, and whether it shows any signs of activity.
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Immunotherapy plus Simvastatin and Targeted Therapy with Chemotherapy for Advanced Colorectal Cancer
This trial tests whether adding immune therapy (adbelimumab? actually Adebrelimab) with simvastatin and targeted therapy to standard chemotherapy helps people with metastatic colorectal cancer that is MSI-H/dMMR or MSS/pMMR depending on combination.
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Fruquintinib treatment in adults with metastatic colorectal cancer in Poland
This study looks at whether taking fruquintinib by mouth after prior therapies helps adults with metastatic colorectal cancer in Poland live longer before the cancer progresses and overall survival, while also considering quality of life.
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Understanding why BRAF V600E colorectal cancer stops responding to targeted therapy
This study tests why metastatic colorectal cancer with a BRAF V600E mutation stops responding to encorafenib and cetuximab, by collecting tissue, blood, and stool samples over time.
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Second-line combination treatment for MSS metastatic colorectal cancer
This trial will try folinic acid plus continuous 5-FU with liposomal irinotecan, sometimes combined with cetuximab or bevacizumab, as a second-line option for adults with MSS metastatic colorectal cancer who progressed on or cannot tolerate oxaliplatin-based therapy.
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.