Using blood tests to improve treatment for colorectal cancer patients

Implementing Non-invasive Circulating Tumor DNA Analysis to Optimize the Operative and Postoperative Treatment for Patients With Colorectal Cancer

Phase 2 Interventional Aarhus University Hospital · NCT03748680

This study is testing if giving standard chemotherapy to colorectal cancer patients with detectable tumor DNA after surgery can help them stay cancer-free longer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAarhus University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations4 sites (Aalborg and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03748680 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II interventional trial investigates the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer who have detectable circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) after surgery. The study aims to determine if administering standard chemotherapy can enhance disease-free survival in patients who typically would not receive such treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard chemotherapy or an intensified follow-up schedule. The trial also seeks to explore the molecular response to chemotherapy in patients with detectable ctDNA post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have undergone radical resection for stage I or II colorectal cancer and have detectable ctDNA in their postoperative plasma.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have detectable ctDNA post-surgery or who are not clinically eligible for adjuvant chemotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved survival rates for colorectal cancer patients with residual disease after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using ctDNA analysis to guide treatment decisions in cancer care, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Surgically removed Adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum
* Pathologically stage I or II disease, and radical resection
* Detectable ctDNA in two weeks postoperative plasma sample
* No indication for adjuvant chemotherapy according to DCCG guidelines (website)
* Age at least 18 years
* ECOG performance status 0-2
* Clinically eligible for adjuvant chemotherapy at investigators decision.
* Adequate bone marrow, liver and renal function allowing systemic chemotherapy (Absolute neutrophil count ≥1.5x109/l and thrombocytes ≥ 100x109/l. Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x upper normal value and alanine aminotransferase ≤ 3 x upper normal value, and Calculated or measured renal glomerular filtration rate at least 30 mL/min)
* Anticonception for fertile women and for male patients with a fertile partner. Intrauterine device, vasectomy of a female subject's male partner or hormonal contraceptive are acceptable •
* Written and verbally informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Radiological evidence of distant metastasis, by CT- chest and abdomen
* Incapacity, frailty, disability and comorbidity to a degree that according to the investigator is not compatible with combination chemotherapy
* Previous treatment with 5FU or oxaliplatin
* Neuropathy NCI grade \> 1
* Other malignant tumor within 5 years except non-melanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in situ cervicis uteri
* Pregnant (positive pregnancy test) or breast feeding women

Where this trial is running

Aalborg and 3 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 Colorectal CancerCirculating Tumor DNAAdjuvant ChemotherapyProgression 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.