Evaluating liquid biopsy as a diagnostic tool for metastatic cancer

Augsburg Longitudinal Plasma Study (ALPS) to Study Liquid Biopsy (LBx) as a Tool for Diagnostic Support, Assessment of Disease Progression, and Identification of Mutations During Disease Course in Patients With Solid Neoplasms Receiving Palliative Treatment

Observational University Hospital Augsburg · NCT05245136

This study tests whether a simple blood test can help diagnose metastatic cancer and see how it compares to traditional methods like tissue biopsies.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment3000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Augsburg Academic / other
Locations1 site (Augsburg, Bavaria)
Trial IDNCT05245136 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Augsburg Longitudinal Plasma Study is a prospective observational trial that investigates the effectiveness of liquid biopsy in diagnosing various metastatic cancers. It aims to correlate liquid biopsy results with traditional tissue biopsies, imaging techniques, and tumor markers. Additionally, the study will explore the clonal heterogeneity and evolution of cancers during treatment. It also seeks to assess patients' understanding of biomarkers and personalized medicine, particularly regarding liquid biopsy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with histopathologically confirmed metastatic or locally advanced cancer who have no curative treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with psychological conditions that prevent informed consent or those receiving additional tumor treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment personalization for patients with metastatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using liquid biopsy for cancer diagnostics, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Written informed consent
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Histopathologically confirmed metastatic or locally advanced cancer
* No curative treatment options, except for germ cell tumors
* Written Agreement to be followed up at Augsburg University Medical Center
* Signed written informed consent for the Biobank Augsburg (Biobank-A)
* Willing to undergo treatment according to standard of care
* Availability or anticipated availability of tumor tissue at time point of inclusion
* Anticipated life expectancy of at least 3 months at time point of trial inclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

* Psychological condition that would preclude informed consent
* Additional tumor treatment between acquisition of tumor tissue and trial inclusion

Where this trial is running

Augsburg, Bavaria

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 Characteristics DiseaseMetastatic CancerSolid Tumor
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.