Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

PRecision Oncology Evidence Development in Cancer Treatment - Liquid

This study, called PRISM-Liquid, is investigating new blood tests for cancer, known as 'liquid biopsies', which can find genetic changes in a tumour from a simple blood sample. Currently, doctors usually test a small piece of the tumour itself. We want to see how well these new blood tests compare to the standard tissue tests, both in terms of finding important changes and how much they cost. The aim is to help doctors decide the best way to use these tests to offer personalised (precision) treatment for people with advanced colorectal cancer, melanoma, specific lung cancers, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer. Ultimately, we hope to improve how cancer care is given in the UK.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

British Columbia Cancer Agency

Enrolment target

1,500

Start

18 Jun 2021

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2027

Cancer

What is this study about?

When someone has cancer, doctors often look for specific genetic changes in the tumour. Finding these changes can help them choose the most effective treatment. Traditionally, this is done by taking a small piece of the tumour (a biopsy) and sending it for detailed testing. This study explores a newer method called a 'liquid biopsy', which involves a simple blood test.

Imagine your cancer cells are shedding tiny clues into your bloodstream. A liquid biopsy can pick up these clues and tell us about the genetic makeup of your tumour without needing another surgical procedure. This study is split into two parts: one part compares using the blood test at the same time as the tissue test, to see if it makes treatment decisions faster or more cost-effective. The other part uses the blood test only if the tissue test doesn't find any important genetic changes or wasn't possible to do in the first place.

The main goal is to understand if and how these liquid biopsies can improve cancer care. We want to see if they help doctors match the right treatment to the right person at the right time, and if they are a good use of healthcare resources. This research is important because it could lead to quicker, less invasive, and more personalised treatment approaches for people with advanced cancer in the future.

Key takeaways

This study compares standard tumour tissue tests with new 'liquid biopsy' blood tests for cancer.
It aims to find the best way to get genetic information about your cancer to guide treatment.
The study could lead to more personalised and less invasive cancer care.
Participation involves either an extra blood test or specific questionnaires.
It focuses on improving how we detect and understand cancer, not on new medicines.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would generally need to be over 18 years old and have advanced cancer that has spread to other parts of your body. You also need to be having, or have recently had, the standard tissue test (biopsy) to look for genetic changes in your tumour.

There are two different ways people might join the study. In one group, you would have both the standard tissue test and the new liquid blood test at roughly the same time. In another group, you would first have the standard tissue test, and if that doesn't provide enough information, or doesn't find any specific changes that can be targeted, then you might be eligible for the liquid blood test after that.

You wouldn't be able to join if you can't be followed up by the study team, or if you're not planning to consider treatment options for your cancer. Your doctor will be able to tell you if your specific situation makes you suitable for this study.

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 over 18 years old?
Do you have advanced cancer that has spread?
Are you currently having, or have you recently had, a standard tissue biopsy for your cancer?
Are you generally available for follow-up appointments?
Are you considering treatment options for your cancer?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, what you do will depend on which group you are in. In one group, you would have an extra blood test around the same time you have your standard tumour tissue test. In the other group, you would have your standard tissue test first. If that test doesn't provide all the information needed, then you would have an extra blood test. This extra blood test is a simple blood draw, similar to other blood tests you might have.

Apart from these tests, you may also be asked to fill in some questionnaires about your quality of life. The study team will follow up on your health and treatment journey. The total duration of your participation in the study would depend on your treatment and follow-up plan, but it generally involves regular monitoring of your cancer care. You won't be given any new or experimental medications as part of this study; it's focused on the testing methods.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer some potential benefits, as it could help researchers understand the best way to find important information about your cancer, potentially leading to more personalised treatment decisions in the future. For your individual care, if you are in the group that has a liquid biopsy after a standard tissue biopsy, it might provide additional information if the first test wasn't conclusive. The main risk involved with the liquid biopsy is discomfort or bruising from a standard blood draw. As with any clinical study, you are free to withdraw your consent and stop participating at any time without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

BC Cancer
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada

Common questions

What is a 'liquid biopsy'?

A liquid biopsy is a new type of blood test that can find tiny pieces of cancer cells or their DNA shed into your bloodstream. It helps doctors learn more about your tumour.

Why is this study important?

It's important because it compares these new blood tests to standard tissue tests to see which method is best for finding key information about your cancer, helping doctors decide on the most effective treatment.

Will I get new medicine in this study?

No, this study is about the testing methods, not new medicines. It aims to see how testing can help doctors choose existing treatments more effectively.

What kind of cancer is this study for?

This study is for people with advanced colorectal cancer, melanoma, specific lung cancers, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer.

Will my regular cancer care change if I join?

Your overall cancer care will continue as planned. This study just adds either an extra blood test or specific questionnaires to help gather information about these new testing methods.