Evaluating mutations in solid tumors using liquid biopsy and genome sequencing

A Prospective, Observational Study on the Prevalence of Clinically Useful Mutations in Solid Tumor Characterized by Next Generation Sequencing Methods on Liquid Biopsy Analysis (POPCORN)

Observational Centro di Riferimento Oncologico - Aviano · NCT06028724

This study is trying to see if a blood test can find important gene changes in patients with advanced solid tumors to help doctors choose the best treatments for them.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment782 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentro di Riferimento Oncologico - Aviano Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Aviano, Pordonone)
Trial IDNCT06028724 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the prevalence of clinically relevant mutations in patients with advanced solid tumors through the use of liquid biopsy and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. By analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), the study seeks to identify potential biomarkers that indicate treatment sensitivity or resistance. The findings could help optimize therapy selection for patients undergoing various lines of treatment for conditions such as colon-rectal cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer. The study will involve patients who are already receiving standard therapies and will focus on real-world data collection.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed advanced or locally advanced solid tumors who are eligible for specific lines of therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage solid tumors or those not receiving standard therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance personalized treatment strategies for patients with advanced solid tumors by identifying mutations that predict therapy response.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing liquid biopsy and NGS have shown promise in identifying actionable mutations, suggesting that this approach is both relevant and potentially beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients eligible for inclusion in this study have to meet all of the following criteria:

* Patients, 18 years of age or older
* Competent and able to comprehend, sign and date an Ethics Committee (EC) approved Informed Consent Form (ICF) before performance of any study-specific procedures or tests
* Willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plan, laboratory tests, and other study procedures
* Histologically proven diagnosis solid tumor
* Diagnosis of advanced or locally advanced disease
* Patients candidated to receive standard therapy in the following line:
* first, second or third-line therapy for colon-rectal cancer in IV stage
* first or second-line therapy for gastric cancer in IV stage
* primary intent or first-line therapy for pancreatic cancer
* first-line therapy for bile duct cancer
* first or second-line therapy for hepatocarcinoma
* first, second, third, fourth or fifth-line therapy for breast cancer in IV stage
* chemotherapy for ovarian cancer in advanced stage (FIGO III-IV) and at the time of first relapse
* first or second-line therapy for endometrial cancer in advanced stage (FIGO III-IV)
* first or second-line therapy for advanced or locally advanced cervical cancer
* therapy for locally advanced or first line therapy for metastatic vulva cancer
* first, second or third-line therapy for melanoma (third-line therapy only in BRAF-mutated melanoma)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of any secondary malignancy within the last 3 years, except for adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, or carcinoma in situ of the cervix.
* Patients unable or unwilling to undergo as per protocol assessments at the four planned timepoints

Where this trial is running

Aviano, Pordonone

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 Solid TumorAdvanced Solid TumorLocally Advanced Solid TumorColon Rectal CancerGastric CancerPancreatic CancerBile Duct CancerHepatocarcinoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.