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Contact Information:

Dr Constantinos Simillis
c.simillis@nhs.net


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Be Part of Research - Trial Details - Testing a new microchip system to detect bowel cancer markers in blood and stool samples
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Testing a new microchip system to detect bowel cancer markers in blood and stool samples

Recruiting

Open to: All Genders

Age: Mixed

Cambridge

Medical Conditions

Colorectal cancer

This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.


Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths globally. Colorectal cancer mortality and morbidity can be reduced and patient prognosis improved if cases are detected and treated early and with personalised patient care guided by genetic profiling. The symptoms of colorectal cancer poorly predict the likelihood of cancer. Current non-invasive stool tests are not accurate. A negative stool test does not always exclude colorectal cancer, and false-negative tests cause false reassurance, resulting in the patient not receiving life-saving treatment. The high false-positive rates of current screening stool tests result in many patients undergoing unnecessary invasive tests, such as colonoscopy and CT colonography, which are limited by the requirement for bowel preparation, patient acceptance, patient compliance, patient anxiety and discomfort, risk of complications, endoscopy and radiology service capacities, and higher costs.
Colorectal cancer cells release DNA fragments into the blood and stools. Analysis of tumour DNA in blood or stool samples, so-called liquid biopsy, can detect colorectal cancer at an early stage and serve as a diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring tool, and can guide personalised treatment. A liquid biopsy has the potential to detect tumour-specific genetic signatures and to reflect the total tumour burden; it is non-invasive and can be collected repeatedly with minimal discomfort to the patient. Current tumour DNA detection techniques are yet to be integrated into clinical use because they are laboratory-based, time-consuming, and expensive. The overall aim is to develop an innovative, non-invasive, easy-to-use, point-of-care microchip-based test that will allow the simultaneous detection of multiple tumour-specific genetic markers for colorectal cancer in blood and stools, to guide therapy and serve as a diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring tool. This pilot study aims to assess the ability of this microchip-based system to detect genetic biomarkers of colorectal cancer in stool and blood samples.

Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.  

The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:

15 Apr 2026 01 Mar 2027

Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer based on histology will be recruited to this pilot study. Only members of the patient's existing clinical care team will have access to patient records without explicit consent to identify potential participants, check whether they meet the inclusion criteria or make the initial approach to patients to enquire if they are interested to learn more information about the study. If potential participants express an interest to learn more about the study, they will be contacted by the research team and will be provided with relevant information about the study.

Participants in the trial will be asked if they can provide a sample of their blood and stool. DNA will be extracted from the blood and stool samples and tested with the microchip device to assess the ability of the microchip to detect genetic (DNA) markers linked to colorectal cancer. After testing with the microchip, all samples will be discarded.


Adult patients diagnosed with any stage of colorectal cancer.

You can take part if:



You may not be able to take part if:


1. Patients aged <18 years old2. People who are unable to give informed consent


Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.

  • Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    Cambridge Biomedical Campus Hills Road
    Cambridge
    CB2 0QQ

There is no actual research intervention, and therefore, there are no specific benefits for research participants apart from the benefit of taking part in research. No significant risk of harm is anticipated to the patients participating in the study.

Dr Constantinos Simillis
c.simillis@nhs.net



The study is sponsored by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and funded by NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre; Penguins Against Cancer; Red Trousers Day.



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Read full details for Trial ID: ISRCTN58046029

Or CPMS 63193

Last updated 25 September 2026

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