Genomic analysis of blood and tissue samples from cancer patients

Targeted Genomic Analysis of Human Cancers

Observational Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT02688517

This study is testing whether analyzing blood and tissue samples from cancer patients can help find specific genetic changes that might improve treatment options, especially for rare cancers.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1100 (estimated)
Ages1 Year and up
SexAll
SponsorRutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations11 sites (Brick, New Jersey and 10 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02688517 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research focuses on targeted genomic analysis of blood and tissue samples from patients diagnosed with cancer. The study aims to identify genomic alterations that may be linked to treatment options, particularly for rare cancers with poor prognosis. Blood samples will also be collected to analyze circulating DNA and tumor cells. Patients will be monitored for clinical outcomes related to actionable mutations identified through genomic sequencing. The study will also contribute to the development of future cancer models based on tumor genome data.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of rare cancers that have poor prognosis and limited effective therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with a Karnofsky/Lansky performance score below 30 or a life expectancy of less than 3 months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients with rare cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing genomic sequencing for cancer treatment have shown promise, indicating that this approach is supported by prior successful research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Karnofsky/Lansky performance score \>= 30
* A signed written informed consent
* Evaluation in surgical/medical/radiation oncology/radiology clinic, with a history of biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of cancer of rare histology and/or poor prognosis with standard therapy; priority will be given to rare cancers with poor prognosis and lack of effective standard therapy; study principal investigator (PI) or designee will review and approve each case before enrollment
* Paraffin blocks of the patient's tumor tissue are available and accessible for analysis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Karnofsky/Lansky performance score \< 30
* Life expectancy \< 3 months

Where this trial is running

Brick, New Jersey and 10 other locations

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 Malignant Neoplasm
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 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.