Assessing minimal residual disease in colorectal cancer using blood tests

Danish Assessment of Minimal Residual Disease by Liquid Biopsies

Observational University of Aarhus · NCT06076811

This study is testing if a blood test for cancer DNA can help doctors find out which colorectal cancer patients are at risk of their cancer coming back after surgery and if they need extra treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Aarhus Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations10 sites (Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark and 9 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06076811 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with colorectal cancer who have undergone curative-intent surgery. By analyzing blood samples for ctDNA presence after surgery, the study seeks to identify patients at high risk of cancer recurrence and determine the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy. The research will compare ctDNA results with traditional prognostic factors to enhance risk stratification and improve patient outcomes. The ultimate goal is to integrate ctDNA analysis into clinical practice for better management of colorectal cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients with clinical tumor stage I-III colorectal cancer scheduled for curative-intent surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, or verified distant metastases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate risk assessments and tailored treatment plans for colorectal cancer patients, potentially reducing recurrence rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using ctDNA for monitoring cancer recurrence, indicating that this approach is gaining traction in clinical settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
DANISH.MRD part I - Surgery

Inclusion Criteria:

* Colon or rectal cancer, clinical tumor stage I-III.
* Patient able to understand and sign written informed consent.
* Scheduled for curative-intent resectional surgery (including "compromised" curative resections).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hereditary colorectal cancer linked to familial colonic polyposis or Lynch syndrome.
* Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).
* Verified distant metastases.
* Malignant colorectal polyps diagnosed after polypectomy.
* Patients who are unlikely to comply with the protocol (e.g., uncooperative attitude, inability to return for subsequent visits) and/or otherwise considered by the Investigator to be unlikely to complete the study.

DANISH.MRD part II - Surveillance

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participation in DANISH.MRD part I - Surgery.
* Colorectal cancer, UICC stage III.
* Has received curative-intent resection and is a candidate for adjuvant chemotherapy (3- or 6-months regime).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not treated with adjuvant chemotherapy
* Treated with neoadjuvant chemo-radiation therapy.
* Synchronous colorectal and non-colorectal cancer diagnosed per operative (except skin cancer other than melanoma).
* Other cancers (excluding colorectal cancer or skin cancer other than melanoma) within 3 years from eligibility screening.
* Patients who are unlikely to comply with the protocol (e.g., uncooperative attitude, inability to return for subsequent visits) and/or otherwise considered by the Investigator to be unlikely to complete the study.

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark and 9 other locations

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.
Conditions Colorectal NeoplasmsColorectal CancerColorectal AdenocarcinomaColorectal Cancer Stage IColorectal Cancer Stage IIColorectal Cancer Stage IIICirculating tumor DNASurveillance
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.