Clinical Research Directory

Pre-operative Targeted Treatments in Molecularly Selected Resectable Colorectal Cancer (UNICORN)

This is a window-of-opportunity umbrella platform trial enrolling non-metastatic resectable colorectal patients selected for the presence of a specific targetable molecular alteration. The study aims to test the activity of specific targeted agents/combinations given as a short-course pre-operative strategy, matched with the specific alteration detected, followed by standard of care surgery.

An Investigational Scan (Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion Weighted Imaging) for the Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases Treatment Response

This trial evaluates the treatment response of colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver (liver metastases) using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging (IVIM DWI). IVIM DWI is new kind of imaging scan that may help measure changes in disease before and after chemotherapy in patients with colorectal liver metastases.

Acupuncture for the Management of Postoperative Pain in Patients With Pancreatic or Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Surgery

This trial investigates how well acupuncture works for the management of pain after surgery in patients having open colorectal or pancreatic surgery. Acupuncture may help to reduce postoperative symptoms including pain. This study may help researchers learn if acupuncture reduces after-surgery side effects and improves recovery.

Intravital Microscopy in Human Solid Tumors

This study will investigate the tumor-associated vasculature of patients with solid tumors. The investigators will use a technology known as intravital microscopy (IVM) in order to visualize in real-time the vessels associated with solid tumors. The IVM observations may determine if an individual patient's tumor vessels would be amenable to receiving systemic therapy, based on the functionality of the vessels.

Minimal Residual Disease Testing for the Early Detection of Cancer Recurrence in Resectable Stage II-IV Colorectal Cancer Patients

This clinical trial compares minimal residual disease (MRD) testing with the Haystack blood test (assay) to the Signatera® assay for the early detection of the cancer returning (cancer recurrence) in patients with stage II-IV colorectal cancer (CRC) that can be removed by surgery (resectable). MRD testing looks for evidence of remaining tumor following treatment that is only apparent using highly sensitive techniques. There are few effective tools available outside of imaging to identify CRC patients with MRD who may be at the highest risk for cancer recurrence after surgery. Early detection of CRC recurrence after surgery is important, as it may increase the chance of curative (ability to cure) outcomes for patients with cancer recurrence. Currently, the Signatera assay is used to monitor whether CRC recurs after surgery, however it is not a very sensitive test. Early work with the Haystack assay suggests it may be more sensitive than the Signatera assay, which may be more effective for the early detection of cancer recurrence in patients with resectable stage II-IV CRC.