Non-invasive blood test to detect tumor DNA in cancer patients.

Non Invasive Cancer Test (NICT): a Proof of Principle Study.

Observational Maastricht University Medical Center · NCT03019471

This project will try to detect tumor DNA in blood from adults newly diagnosed with breast, colorectal, non-small cell lung cancer, or anaplastic glioblastoma before they start treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMaastricht University Medical Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Maastricht, Limburg)
Trial IDNCT03019471 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults newly diagnosed with breast, colorectal, non-small cell lung cancer, or anaplastic glioblastoma will provide blood samples before beginning radiation, chemoradiation, or chemotherapy. Investigators will isolate circulating tumor DNA from those blood samples to determine whether tumor-derived DNA can be reliably detected. The study is observational and does not change participants' standard cancer care. Positive findings could support development of a less invasive blood-based cancer test for diagnosis or monitoring in the future.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (over 18) with a new diagnosis of localized or metastatic breast cancer, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, or anaplastic glioblastoma who have not yet started radiation or chemotherapy and can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of other malignant disease (except adequately treated skin cancers or in situ cervical carcinoma) or who are pregnant are excluded and would not be eligible to participate or gain potential benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a blood-based test that reduces the need for invasive tissue biopsies and makes cancer monitoring easier.

How similar studies have performed: Other circulating tumor DNA (liquid biopsy) studies have shown promising results across several cancer types, though sensitivity and clinical usefulness vary by tumor type and detection method.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with newly diagnosed local or metastatic breast cancer, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and anaplastic glioblastoma, before start of radiation therapy, chemoradiation or chemotherapy.
2. Patients age \> 18 years, willing and able to comply with the protocol as judged by the investigator with a signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with a history of malignant disease other than the disease under study, with an exception for adequately treated squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, basal cell carcinoma of the skin and in situ cervix carcinoma.
2. Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Maastricht, Limburg

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 Neoplasmata
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.