Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Early Phase 1 Interventional Ages 18 and up

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

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, Radiation
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 22, 2026
Main results expectedNovember 14, 2027
Study endsNovember 14, 2029
Registry record updatedOctober 14, 2026
Trial IDNCT07318389 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

  • MD Anderson Cancer Center
    Houston, Texas, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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  • Second-line combination treatment for MSS metastatic colorectal cancer

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.