Using genetic testing to personalize chemotherapy for cancer patients

The PhOCus Trial: Implementation of Pharmacogenomic Testing in Oncology Care

Not applicable Interventional University of Chicago · NCT04541381

This study is testing if using genetic information can help doctors give the right chemotherapy dose to cancer patients, making treatment more effective and reducing side effects.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment860 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Chicago Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT04541381 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine if providing genetic information to cancer care providers can help tailor chemotherapy dosing and reduce side effects for patients with various cancers. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a pharmacogenomics group, which receives genetic insights for treatment decisions, or a control group. The focus is on patients scheduled to receive fluoropyrimidine and/or irinotecan chemotherapy, with the goal of improving treatment outcomes through personalized medicine.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients receiving oncology care at The University of Chicago Medical Center who are scheduled to receive fluoropyrimidine and/or irinotecan.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously been treated with fluoropyrimidine and/or irinotecan or those with certain medical conditions like chronic kidney disease or active blood cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and safer chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using pharmacogenomics to personalize cancer treatment, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Adult patients receiving oncology care at The University of Chicago Medical Center, and for whom treatment with a fluoropyrimidine and/or irinotecan is planned are eligible.

Individuals of all genders, races and ethnic groups are eligible for this trial. There is no bias towards race, sex, or gender in the clinical trial outlined.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Subjects who have previously been exposed to the planned chemotherapy agent at any time (fluoropyrimidine and/or irinotecan).
2. Subjects enrolled in an investigational trial which would preclude dose modifications of fluoropyrimidine and/or irinotecan chemotherapies.
3. Subjects who have undergone, or are being actively considered for, bone marrow, liver or kidney transplantation.
4. Subjects with a history of or active blood cancer (e.g., leukemia).
5. Chronic kidney disease, as defined by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) \< 30/mL/min/1.73m2, due to the risk of decreased drug excretion.
6. Liver dysfunction, as defined by the following laboratory values, due to the risk of decreased drug metabolism: Total bilirubin more than 1.5 mg/dL, aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) more than 2.5 X upper limit of normal\*. (\*AST and ALT more than 5 X upper limit of normal if hepatic metastases are present).
7. Subjects who have previously or are currently enrolled in another institutional pharmacogenomic genotyping study, or are known to have previously undergone pharmacogenomic genotyping for the gene(s) of interest via another commercial or other means.
8. Inability to understand and give informed consent to participate.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

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 Gastrointestinal CancerHead and Neck CancerDihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase DeficiencyUGT1A1 Gene MutationBreast CancerPharmacogenomics
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.