Investigating circulating tumor cells in cancer patients

Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) in Cancer

Observational University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT04520672

This study is testing blood samples from adult cancer patients to see if circulating tumor cells can help us understand their cancer better and predict how they might do in the future.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment3000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Basel and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04520672 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on the collection and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood samples of adult cancer patients at various stages of their disease. It aims to understand the biology of CTCs and their clusters, evaluating their potential as biomarkers for cancer progression and overall survival. The study will also explore key signaling networks active in CTCs across different cancer types, providing insights into their role in cancer biology.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of solid tumors, such as adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with blood cancers or those who cannot provide written informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of cancer progression and improve patient monitoring through the use of CTCs as biomarkers.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using circulating tumor cells as biomarkers, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult cancer patients
* All patients with histology-based proved diagnosis of cancer, all stages and subtypes can be included. Precancerous lesions cannot be included.
* All patients with the diagnosis of a solid tumor including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, sarcoma
* Written pathology report must be available.
* Written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* No written informed consent.
* No proved diagnosis of malignancy by pathology report.
* Patients with the diagnosis of blood cancer

Where this trial is running

Basel and 1 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 Cancercirculating tumor cellsCTC clustersMolecular analysis of CTCsCTC cultureoverall survivalprogression free survival
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.