EMPIRIC Study

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Molecular profiling in colorectal cancer

  • IRAS ID

    208327

  • Contact name

    Nirupa Murugaesu

  • Contact email

    n.murugaesu@nhs.net

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    5 years, 0 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    Lay summary:
    The EMPIRIC Study aims to enhance genetic testing provided to patients with colorectal cancer at St George’s Hospital.

    Need for study:
    Over 40,000 patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the United Kingdom in 2013, making it the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics). With the advent of bowel screening and greater health awareness, numbers diagnosed continue to increase. A greater understanding of this potentially devastating disease is required to optimise its management and improve cure rates.

    Aim of the project:
    The primary aim is to validate a molecular panel that looks closely at 50 genes linked to an increase risk of developing cancer for use in routine care. We also aim to look at whether tumour DNA can be detected in the blood at different points of the disease.

    Patient benefit:
    We know that cancer is a genetic disease and improving our understanding of the molecular profile of colorectal cancer may provide answers to why some patients respond to treatments and others don’t and help clinicians guide selection of second and third line chemotherapy treatments.

  • REC name

    South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/SC/0592

  • Date of REC Opinion

    3 Nov 2016

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion