Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 to 80

Using plasma ctDNA methylation to guide adjuvant chemotherapy for high-risk T3N0 colorectal cancer

Official title: Randomized Study of Plasma ctDNA Methylation to Guide Adjuvant Chemotherapy Decisions in High-Risk T3N0 Colorectal Cancer

Run by Fudan University · NCT07562711 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This will test whether a blood ctDNA methylation test can help choose stronger chemotherapy after surgery for people with high-risk T3N0 (stage II) colorectal cancer who are ctDNA-positive one month after surgery.

More ctDNA trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment340 (estimated)
SponsorFudan University
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Shanghai)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 1, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsDecember 31, 2027
Registry record updatedMay 1, 2026
Trial IDNCT07562711 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults (≥18) with histologically confirmed high-risk T3N0 (stage II) colorectal cancer who are ctDNA-positive one month after surgery, have ECOG 0–2, and can provide informed consent are the intended candidates.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are ctDNA-negative after surgery, who received neoadjuvant therapy, who have recent other malignancies, are pregnant, or who cannot tolerate chemotherapy are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This Phase 2 randomized study enrolls patients with high-risk T3N0 (stage II) colorectal cancer who are positive for plasma ctDNA methylation one month after surgery. Eligible patients are randomized to different adjuvant chemotherapy regimens (capecitabine-based or FOLFOX-based) with the goal of comparing ctDNA clearance rates. Serial ctDNA methylation testing is used to track molecular response and prognosis, and treatment escalation is applied early for those with persistent ctDNA. The study is conducted at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and focuses on whether intensified adjuvant therapy improves molecular and clinical outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, using postoperative ctDNA methylation to guide and escalate adjuvant chemotherapy could reduce recurrence by identifying and treating patients with residual microscopic disease earlier.

How similar studies have gone: Previous randomized trials have shown promise for ctDNA-guided adjuvant strategies, but using plasma ctDNA methylation specifically to drive early chemotherapy escalation is a newer approach with limited direct prior evidence.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥18 years, regardless of sex;
2. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-2, with an expected survival of \>3 months;
3. Histologically confirmed postoperative pTNM stage high-risk stage II colorectal cancer;
4. Positive ctDNA status at 1 month after surgery;
5. Expected survival of \>12 months;
6. Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent form (personally or via a legally authorized representative/guardian), indicating that the subject understands the study objectives and required procedures and agrees to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Receipt of neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery;
2. Blood transfusion during surgery or within 2 weeks prior to surgery;
3. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals of reproductive potential who are not using adequate contraception;
4. History of other malignancies within the past 5 years, except for adequately treated carcinoma in situ of the cervix or non-melanoma skin cancer;
5. Uncontrolled primary brain tumors or central nervous system metastases, or presence of significant intracranial hypertension or neuropsychiatric symptoms;
6. Presence of severe or uncontrolled comorbidities, including but not limited to:Severe cardiac disease that remains unstable despite treatment, including myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, unstable angina, symptomatic pericardial effusion, or unstable arrhythmia within 6 months prior to enrollment; Clearly diagnosed neurological or psychiatric disorders, including dementia or seizure disorders;Severe or uncontrolled infections;Active disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or significant bleeding tendency;Significant impairment of major organ function;
7. Any other condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make the patient unsuitable for participation in this study.

Where it's running

  • Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
    Shanghai, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.