Blood test could help pick the right drug for tough colorectal cancers

NCT ID NCT03844620

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This phase II trial is testing whether a blood test that looks for tumor DNA (ctDNA) can help doctors choose between two standard drugs—regorafenib or TAS-102—for people with advanced colorectal cancer that has stopped responding to other treatments. The study will enroll 100 participants and compare how well the blood test predicts tumor growth and side effects compared to usual care. The goal is to see if this personalized approach leads to better outcomes and fewer unnecessary side effects.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

regorafenib or trifluridine/tipiracil hydrochloride (TAS-102)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that using a simple blood test to monitor tumor DNA helps doctors choose the right drug at the right time, potentially improving survival and quality of life for people with advanced colorectal cancer.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial (100 participants) that is not yet recruiting. The approach may not prove better than standard care, and the drugs themselves can cause serious side effects like fatigue, hand-foot skin reactions, and low blood counts.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colorectal cancer colorectal carcinoma colorectal neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • M D Anderson Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States