Blood test using circular RNAs for early detection of colorectal cancer
Liquid Biopsy for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer Using Circular RNA
City of Hope Medical Center · NCT07224789
This project tests whether a blood test that measures circular RNAs can detect early-stage colorectal cancer in adults with newly diagnosed (stage I–III) disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | City of Hope Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Duarte, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT07224789 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational project collects pre-treatment plasma from adults with histologically confirmed stage I–III colorectal cancer at City of Hope to profile cell-free circular RNAs (cf-circRNAs). Researchers will isolate cf-circRNAs from plasma and quantify them using RT-qPCR and next-generation sequencing to identify tumor-associated signatures. The team aims to develop a minimally invasive liquid biopsy assay that could complement colonoscopy and stool-based tests. Diagnostic performance will be compared to clinical and pathological tumor data.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with histologically confirmed stage I–III colorectal cancer who can provide pre-treatment plasma samples and informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer, those with stage IV disease or other recent active malignancies, or those unable to provide good-quality pre-treatment plasma samples are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce a sensitive, minimally invasive blood test that helps detect colorectal cancer earlier and broadens screening options for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Early research has shown promising signals that cell-free circular RNAs can reflect tumor presence, but large clinical validation for colorectal cancer detection remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (≥18 years old) * Histologically confirmed colorectal cancer (Stage I-III) * Availability of pre-treatment plasma samples * Written informed consent provided Exclusion Criteria: * History of other active malignancies within the past 5 years * Poor sample quality or hemolysis * Inability to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Duarte, California
- City of Hope Medical Center — Duarte, California, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ajay Goel, PhD — City of Hope Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Goel Ajay, PhD
- Email: ajgoel@coh.org
- Phone: 626-218-3452
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Colorectal Cancer, circRNA, Early cancer detection, non-coding RNA, CRC, liquid biopsy