RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Tumour Characterisation to Guide Experimental Targeted Therapy - National

TARGET National is a study across the UK that aims to help people with advanced solid cancers find the most suitable experimental treatments. Cancer is very complex, and treatments work differently for everyone. Researchers will examine your cancer very closely, using samples of your blood and, if available, your tumour tissue. This helps them understand the unique features of your specific cancer. This information will then be reviewed by a national team of experts, who will suggest experimental treatments that are most likely to work for you. The study also hopes to learn more about cancer in general, which could lead to better treatments in the future for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

6,000

Start

30 Jun 2021

Estimated completion

30 Jan 2028

Cancer

What is this study about?

When cancer has spread in the body, it's called advanced cancer. Finding the best treatment can be challenging because each person's cancer is unique. The TARGET National study is set up to help doctors make more informed decisions about which experimental cancer treatments might be most effective for you. It's like finding a tailor-made approach to your treatment.

To do this, the study uses a process called "molecular profiling." This involves looking at the tiny details of your cancer's genetic makeup. Researchers will take a blood sample and, if possible, look at your tumour tissue to understand these unique features. This information helps them identify specific treatments that are designed to target those particular features of your cancer.

Your results will be discussed by a national team of cancer specialists called a "Molecular Tumour Board." They will consider your unique cancer profile and suggest experimental treatments that could be a good match for you. The study also aims to gather important information that could help scientists understand cancer better in the future, potentially leading to new and improved treatments for everyone affected by cancer.

Key takeaways

This study helps match *experimental* cancer treatments to your specific cancer.
It uses samples of your blood and sometimes tumour tissue for detailed analysis.
A team of experts will review your results to suggest suitable treatments.
You must be aged 16 or over with advanced solid cancer.
The study aims to improve future cancer care for everyone.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people aged 16 or over who have been diagnosed with an advanced solid cancer. You need to have been referred to one of the specialist Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres (ECMCs) across the UK, and your doctor must think you are well enough to try new experimental treatments.

If you have had certain infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C, you might not be able to join, depending on your current health status. Also, if you have COVID-19 or any other condition that might make it hard for you to follow the study's plan, you might not be eligible. If you are currently having other cancer treatments, you might need to wait for a certain period before joining. Your doctor will carefully check all these details to see if this study is right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 16 years old or older?
Do you have advanced solid cancer?
Has your doctor referred you to an Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC)?
Does your doctor think you are well enough for experimental treatments?
Do you feel able to provide blood samples for the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the TARGET National study, you will be asked to provide blood samples. If you have tumour tissue that has been saved from a previous biopsy or surgery, this might also be used. In some cases, your doctor might suggest taking a fresh tissue sample, but this is optional. The information from these samples will help the expert team decide which experimental treatment might be best suited to you. If a suitable experimental treatment is found, you will then be asked to provide more blood samples during that treatment. The overall duration of your participation will depend on whether you go on to receive one of the experimental treatments.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is the chance to receive an experimental treatment that is specifically chosen for your cancer, based on detailed testing. However, as these are experimental treatments, their benefits are not guaranteed, and there's a possibility they may not work for you. As with any medical study, there are potential risks, such as discomfort from blood tests or potential side effects from experimental treatments, though these will be carefully monitored. You can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (20)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Queen's University Belfast
Verified postcode
Belfast, United Kingdom· Recruiting
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Birmingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Cardiff University and Velindre Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Cardiff, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Western General Hospital Edinburgh Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Edinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
St.James's University Hospital
Verified postcode
Leeds, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Leicester Cancer Research Centre
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Royal Free Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Kings Health Partners
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Imperial College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
UCL Cancer Institute
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'experimental treatment'?

An experimental treatment is a new medicine or approach that is being tested through research studies to see how well it works and if it's safe. It's not yet available as a standard treatment.

What does 'molecular profiling' mean?

Molecular profiling means looking very closely at the individual features of your cancer cells, often by looking at their genes, to understand what makes them grow. This helps doctors choose treatments that target these specific features.

Will I definitely get a new treatment if I join?

Joining the study aims to help find the best-matched experimental treatment for you, but it doesn't guarantee you will receive one. It depends on whether a suitable match is found based on your cancer's profile.

What happens if I decide to leave the study?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, and this will not affect your ongoing medical care or your relationship with your healthcare team.

Will this study cure my cancer?

This study is designed to identify experimental treatments that might be more effective for your specific cancer. While the aim is to improve outcomes, it's important to understand that experimental treatments do not guarantee a cure.

How to find out more

Matthew Krebs

the-christie.target.national@nhs.net 01619187672 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.