Blood test may spot hidden cancer cells after surgery

NCT ID NCT04726800

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Anna Martling Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 21, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026

Summary

This pilot study is testing whether a simple blood test can detect tiny amounts of tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with early-stage colorectal cancer before and after surgery. The goal is to see if this test is practical and reliable for spotting any cancer cells left behind, which could help guide future treatment decisions. If it works, it may lead to a larger study where patients with positive ctDNA receive additional therapy to prevent relapse.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood test
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a larger study where patients with positive ctDNA after surgery receive extra treatment to reduce relapse risk.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study focused on feasibility, not treatment outcomes. The test may not reliably predict relapse, and results may not apply to all patients.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colonic neoplasm colorectal cancer colorectal neoplasm rectal neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COLORECTAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Akershus Univeristy Hospital

Oslo, Norway
Capio Sankt Göran Hospital

Stockholm, Sweden
Danderyd University Hospital

Stockholm, Sweden
Ersta Hospital

Stockholm, Sweden
Karolinska University Hospital

Stockholm, Sweden
Sahlgrenska University Hospital

Gothenburg, Sweden
Skaraborg Hospital

Skövde, Sweden
South Hospital

Stockholm, Sweden

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