Using zebrafish embryos to evaluate cancer treatment for colorectal liver metastasis

Protocol for Evaluation of Oncological Treatment in Patients With CRLM Using Zebra Fish Avatars-may This Model Improve Resection Rates and Survival in Patients With Upfront Non-resectable Metastatic Disease?

PHASE1; PHASE2 · University Hospital, Linkoeping · NCT05289076

This study is testing if using zebrafish embryos can help doctors find the best chemotherapy for adults with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1; PHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Linkoeping (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Linköping, Ostergotland)
Trial IDNCT05289076 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve personalized treatment for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver by using zebrafish embryos to model tumor growth and response to chemotherapy. By analyzing tumor tissue in these zebrafish avatars, researchers hope to predict how individual patients will respond to different chemotherapy combinations, moving away from the current trial-and-error approach. The study will involve patients aged 18 and older with confirmed or suspected colorectal liver metastasis, and it will assess the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy regimens. If successful, this approach could lead to more tailored and effective cancer treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with confirmed or suspected colorectal liver metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those with an ECOG performance status greater than 2 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly enhance the personalization of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer patients, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing adverse effects.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of zebrafish models in cancer research is gaining traction, this specific approach to personalize chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastasis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Confirmed or suspected diagnosis of colorectal liver metastasis Age 18 years or older ECOG 0-2 Patient can understand verbal and written information -

Exclusion Criteria:

Age less than 18 years ECOG \>2 Patient is not able to understand the verbal and written information

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Where this trial is running

Linköping, Ostergotland

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Colorectal Cancer Metastatic, Tumour Metastasis, Chemotherapy Effect, Tumor Growth

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.