Evaluating liquid biopsy as a diagnostic tool for metastatic cancer
Official title: 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
Run by University Hospital Augsburg · NCT05245136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 3000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Augsburg Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Augsburg, Bavaria) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 29, 2021 |
| Main results expected | November 2029 |
| Study ends | March 2030 |
| Registry record updated | July 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05245136 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with histopathologically confirmed metastatic or locally advanced cancer who have no curative treatment options.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with psychological conditions that prevent informed consent or those receiving additional tumor treatments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promise in using liquid biopsy for cancer diagnostics, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
University Hospital Augsburg
Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maximilian Schmutz, MD — UH Augsburg
- Study coordinator: Sommer Sebastian, MD
- Email: sebastian.sommer@uk-augsburg.de
- Phone: +49-821400
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.