Developing a liquid biopsy protocol for cancer research at Princess Margaret

Liquid Biopsy Evaluation and Repository Development at Princess Margaret

University Health Network, Toronto · NCT03702309

This study is trying to create a simple way to collect blood samples from cancer patients to see if analyzing certain molecules in their blood can help doctors understand their cancer better and track how it changes over time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto (other)
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT03702309 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This initiative aims to establish a standardized liquid biopsy protocol at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, facilitating the collection of blood samples and archived tumor specimens for future research. By analyzing circulating cell-free nucleic acids (cfNA), including cfDNA and cfRNA, the study seeks to provide valuable diagnostic and prognostic insights throughout a patient's cancer journey. The protocol will enable non-invasive monitoring of tumor progression and treatment response over time, enhancing the understanding of cancer dynamics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with confirmed solid tumors or hematological malignancies, as well as those identified as high-risk for cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a confirmed cancer diagnosis or are not considered high-risk for cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved cancer diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing liquid biopsy techniques have shown promise in cancer diagnostics and monitoring, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with either histological confirmation of a solid tumor or hematological malignancy, OR patients identified as high-risk for cancer (based on identified aberration in cancer predisposition gene or on hormonal and/or family history without known aberration).
2. Patient must be ≥ 18 years old.
3. All patients must have signed and dated an informed consent form for this LIBERATE study.
4. If patients are being co-consented for a separate primary research study listed in Appendix I, they must fulfill the eligibility criteria for that separate primary research study. If there is a discrepancy in the eligibility criteria between protocols, the separate primary research study's criteria take precedence.

Exclusion Criteria:

None

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cancer, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Melanoma, Lymphoma, Leukemia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.