Blood test may decide who needs chemo after colon cancer surgery

NCT ID NCT04120701

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 10, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026

Summary

This trial investigates whether a blood test that detects tiny bits of tumor DNA (circulating tumor DNA) can help decide which patients with stage II colon cancer need chemotherapy after surgery. Patients whose blood test is positive for tumor DNA receive chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6), while those with a negative test are monitored. The goal is to see if this personalized approach improves disease-free survival and avoids unnecessary treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: mFOLFOX6 (chemotherapy with 5-FU, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could spare many patients unnecessary chemotherapy while ensuring those who need it receive it, improving survival and reducing side effects.
What could go wrong: The trial is large but still experimental; the ctDNA test may not reliably predict who benefits, and chemotherapy carries risks like nerve damage and fatigue.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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