Using blood tests to improve treatment strategies for rectal cancer

Establishing a ctDNA Biomarker to Improve Organ Preserving Strategies in Patients With Rectal Cancer

Observational OHSU Knight Cancer Institute · NCT05081024

This study is testing if measuring tumor DNA in the blood can help doctors see how well treatments are working for people with stage II-III rectal cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOHSU Knight Cancer Institute Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Portland, Oregon and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05081024 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study measures circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels in patients with stage II-III rectal cancer before, during, and after treatment. The goal is to determine if ctDNA presence or absence can indicate how well different treatments are working. Participants will provide blood samples at various intervals, and their medical records will be reviewed to assess treatment outcomes. The study aims to correlate ctDNA levels with clinical responses and survival rates.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with pathologically-confirmed stage II or III primary adenocarcinoma of the rectum.

Not a fit: Patients with distant metastases or those who have received prior treatment for rectal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for rectal cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using ctDNA as a biomarker for treatment response, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant must provide written informed consent before any study-specific procedures or interventions are performed
* Participants aged \>= 18 years
* Pathologically-confirmed stage II or III primary adenocarcinoma of the rectum:

  * T3N0M0 - T4bN2M0

Exclusion Criteria:

* Has radiologic evidence of distant metastases at the time of screening/enrollment
* Has received prior treatment for their rectal adenocarcinoma
* Requires or has received blood transfusion within 1 month of study enrollment

Where this trial is running

Portland, Oregon and 1 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 Rectal AdenocarcinomaStage II Rectal Cancer AJCC v8Stage IIA Rectal Cancer AJCC v8Stage IIB Rectal Cancer AJCC v8Stage IIC Rectal Cancer AJCC v8Stage III Rectal Cancer AJCC v8Stage IIIA Rectal Cancer AJCC v8Stage IIIB Rectal Cancer AJCC v8
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.