Monitoring tumor DNA methylation after surgery for colorectal cancer

Circulating Tumor DNA Methylation Guided Postoperative Follow-up Strategy for Non-metastatic Colorectal Cancer: a Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Cohort Study (FIND Trial)

NA · Fudan University · NCT05904665

This study is testing if checking for tumor DNA in the blood after surgery can help doctors better monitor recovery and spot any signs of colorectal cancer coming back in patients who are at high risk.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment584 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorFudan University (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality)
Trial IDNCT05904665 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer who have undergone radical surgery. It aims to utilize circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) methylation as a method for dynamic monitoring of postoperative outcomes. By analyzing ctDNA in the blood, the study seeks to predict the efficacy of treatment and monitor for potential recurrence. The approach is designed to improve follow-up strategies for high-risk patients, enhancing their chances of early detection of any issues.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with stage I to III colorectal cancer who have undergone radical surgery and have an expected survival of more than 12 months.

Not a fit: Patients who have undergone blood transfusions around the time of surgery or those with incomplete baseline samples may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective postoperative monitoring and improved survival rates for colorectal cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using ctDNA methylation for monitoring cancer, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years old, regardless of gender;
2. Personal status (PS) score as over 80 or Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score as 0 \~ 2;
3. Preoperative imaging examinations reveal no definite distant metastatic lesions, and postoperative pTNM staging confirms patients with stage I to III colorectal cancer;
4. Radical operation performed ;
5. With expected survival of more than 12 months;
6. The subjects (or their legal representative / Guardian) must sign the informed consent form, indicating that they understand the purpose of the study, understand the necessary procedures of the study, and are willing to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Blood transfusion performed during operation or within 2 weeks before operation;
2. Incomplete baseline samples, including preoperative plasma samples;
3. Two consecutive test points missing or three plasma samples missing in total before a positive ctDNA time point;
4. Pregnant or lactating women who have fertility and do not take adequate contraceptive measures;
5. Have a history of other malignant tumors within 5 years, except cured cervical carcinoma in situ or non melanoma skin cancer;
6. Primary brain tumor or central nerve metastasis is not under control, with obvious intracranial hypertension or neuropsychiatric symptoms;
7. Patients with the following serious or uncontrollable diseases: severe heart disease, the condition is still unstable after treatment, including myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, pericardial effusion with obvious symptoms or unstable arrhythmia within 6 months before enrollment; definite neuropathy or psychosis, including dementia or seizures; severe or uncontrolled infection; active disseminated intravascular coagulation and obvious bleeding tendency;
8. Significant impairment of important organ function;
9. Other conditions in which the investigator believes that the patient should not participate in this trial.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality

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 →

Conditions: Non-metastatic Colorectal Cancer, Circulating Tumor DNA Methylation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.