Blood test may spot cancer recurrence months before standard scans
NCT ID NCT05904665
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a blood test that looks for tumor DNA (ctDNA) can detect colorectal cancer recurrence earlier than usual methods like CT scans and CEA blood tests. About 584 people with stage I-III colorectal cancer who had surgery will be randomly assigned to either standard follow-up or ctDNA monitoring every 3 months for 2 years. The goal is to see if ctDNA testing leads to more patients receiving curative treatment when cancer returns.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ctDNA methylation test (blood test)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this blood test could detect colorectal cancer recurrence months earlier than current methods, allowing for earlier treatment and potentially improving survival.
- What could go wrong
- This is a diagnostic study, not a treatment trial. The test may not prove more effective than standard monitoring, and earlier detection does not guarantee better outcomes.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CIRCULATING TUMOR DNA METHYLATION are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
RECRUITINGShanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200032, China
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.