Whole Genome Sequencing of ctDNA in rectal cancer: SectR

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    SectR: A translational cohort study examining Whole Genome Sequencing of circulating tumour DNA to determine tumour response to neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced Rectal cancer?

  • IRAS ID

    271381

  • Contact name

    A Chambers

  • Contact email

    adam.chambers@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Bristol

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 5 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    Bowel cancer commonly affects the final part of the large bowel called the rectum. If the cancer is advanced, then treatment of this type of cancer often means using a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy before removing the cancer by surgery. However, how much a tumour is shrunk by the chemotherapy and radiotherapy is difficult to determine using current methods. To better understand how these cancers respond to the therapy we want to use a simple blood test. We aim to take blood test before, during and after the therapy. This blood test will measure levels of the breakdown products from cancer cells and tell us accurately if the tumour disappears after treatment. The blood test will also measure harmful inflammation, which often accompanies cancer. We can use the accurate information on how the cancer has responded to give more patient-centred options for the surgical removal of the cancer.

  • REC name

    London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    22/PR/0252

  • Date of REC Opinion

    25 Mar 2022

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion