Investigating genetic reasons for unusual responses to cancer treatment
Genomic Investigation of Unusual Responders
This study is trying to find out how genetic differences in cancer patients affect their responses to treatment, so doctors can tailor therapies to work better for each individual.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT03740503 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the genetic factors that contribute to atypical responses to cancer therapies in patients. By analyzing tumor samples from individuals who have shown either exceptionally good or poor responses to treatment, researchers will utilize exome and next-generation sequencing techniques to identify underlying genetic variations. The goal is to enhance understanding of how certain tumors react differently to chemotherapy, potentially leading to more personalized treatment approaches in the future.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, or genitourinary cancer who have had an unusual response to treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone treatment or do not have sufficient archival tumor samples available for analysis may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies tailored to individual genetic profiles, enhancing outcomes for cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the investigation of genetic factors in treatment responses is a growing field, this specific approach focusing on unusual responders is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. The patient must have either an exceptionally good or poor response to treatment, as indicated by their treating physician. 1. The exact definition of this is adaptable to the disease but a suggested guideline is a Complete Response, Partial Response or progression free interval of at least 6 months 2. Exceptionally poor response includes patients who were expected to respond favourably to a treatment but instead responded poorly (e.g dramatic tumor growth or death) 2. The patient must have sufficient archival tumor available for sequencing. 3. Deceased patients will also be considered for analysis (up to 30 patients per year) if they meet at least one of the following requirements: a)) Patients who have archival tissue stored within the UHN Laboratory Medicine Program who have had a consent waiver granted by the REB to access the tissue. b) Patients who have archival tissue banked for further research within the UHN Biospecimen Sciences Program Exclusion Criteria: * None
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David Cescon, MD — Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
- Study coordinator: Celeste Yu
- Email: celeste.yu@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-946-4501
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.