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Molecular profiling to guide targeted cancer treatments

Tumour Characterisation to Guide Experimental Targeted Therapy - National

Observational The Christie NHS Foundation Trust · NCT04723316

This study is testing whether analyzing the DNA from blood and tumors can help doctors choose better treatments for people with advanced solid cancers.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment6000 (estimated)
Ages16 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Christie NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Locations20 sites (Belfast and 19 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04723316 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to create a national framework for molecular profiling of circulating tumor DNA and tumor tissue in patients with advanced solid cancers across the UK. Patients will be referred to Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres (ECMCs) and their treatment will be guided by a national Molecular Tumor Board based on their molecular profiling results. The study plans to recruit up to 6,000 patients over five years, collecting blood samples and optional tumor tissue to aid in treatment decision-making and future cancer research.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 16 and over with confirmed advanced solid cancers who are fit for experimental therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with known HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C may not benefit from this study due to the handling of high-risk specimens.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized and effective cancer treatments for patients with advanced solid tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing molecular profiling for targeted cancer therapies have shown promise, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 16 years or over.
2. Written informed consent according to GCP and national regulations.
3. Patients with confirmed histological or cytological diagnosis of advanced solid cancer who have been referred to any of the ECMCs in the UK AND considered fit enough to receive an experimental therapeutic agent.
4. Availability of archival tumour sample (if tumour profiling is required)
5. Willingness to provide blood samples during the course of the study if allocated to a matched experimental therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known HIV, Hepatitis B (defined as Hepatitis B surface antigen \[HBsAg\] reactive) or Hepatitis C virus (defined as HCV RNA detected), due to the difficulties in handling high-risk specimens. Routine testing for hepatitis is not required. Note: Patients with past/resolved Hepatitis B infection (defined as having a negative HBsAg test and a positive antibody to hepatitis B core antigen \[anti-HBc\] antibody test) are eligible. Patients with a history of Hepatitis C infection are eligible only if polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis is negative for HCV RNA at least 6 months after completing treatment for Hepatitis C infection.
2. Known current COVID19 positive (by PCR) or active symptoms for COVID19. Routine testing for COVID19 is not required. Patients with past infection who have fully recovered may be included.
3. Patients who are unable to provide fully informed written consent.
4. Patients not considered eligible by the investigator for early phase clinical trials.
5. Patients currently receiving systemic anti-cancer therapy (due to potential impact on ctDNA analysis), unless patient has clear evidence of progression on hormone-based therapies or tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A minimum of 3 weeks is required post completion of other systemic anti-cancer therapies.
6. Presence of any medical, psychological, familial or sociological condition that, in the investigator's opinion, will hamper compliance with the study protocol and follow-up schedule.
7. Bleeding diathesis (patients' on anticoagulation are permitted to enter the trial if anticoagulation can be safely managed to enable fresh tumour biopsies and blood sampling).
8. Conditions in which research biopsies or blood sampling may increase risk of complications for the patients and/or investigator

Where this trial is running

Belfast and 19 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.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Cancer
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.