RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Study of High-Precision Evaluation of Molecular ResiduaL Disease Through a PlatfOrm for Cancer TracKing and Interception (SHERLOCK)

The SHERLOCK study looks for tiny amounts of cancer in your body after treatment, using advanced blood tests. This 'molecular residual disease' (MRD) testing helps doctors see if any cancer cells are still hiding, even if scans look clear. We collect blood, tissue, and other samples, along with scan results and health information, from people with various cancers like breast, lung, melanoma, and more. By finding MRD early, doctors hope to offer treatments sooner, potentially stopping the cancer from coming back and improving your health. The results from these special blood tests might also help decide if you can join other studies offering new preventative treatments.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

7,000

Start

31 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2031

Breast Cancer Lung Cancer Melanoma Gynecologic Cancer Genitourinary Cancer Pancreatobiliary Cancer Gastrointestinal Cancer Head and Neck Cancer Rare Cancer Unknown Primary Tumors

What is this study about?

The SHERLOCK study is trying to find ways to catch cancer very early, even after you've had treatment. Sometimes, after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, a few cancer cells can remain, but they are too small to see on regular scans. These tiny leftover cells are called 'molecular residual disease' or MRD. This study uses a new type of blood test, sometimes called a 'liquid biopsy', to look for tiny pieces of cancer DNA that cancer cells shed into your blood.

By finding these tiny bits of cancer DNA, doctors hope to know sooner if cancer might be trying to come back. If they can spot it early, they might be able to offer additional treatments sooner, which could help stop the cancer from returning and improve your chances of staying cancer-free for longer. This study is like a detective trying to find secret clues left by cancer cells.

We're gathering lots of information from people with many different types of cancer, including breast, lung, melanoma, and others. This includes blood and other samples, along with details about your treatment and scan results. This will help us learn more about MRD and how to use these tests to give patients the best possible care.

Key takeaways

Aims to find tiny bits of cancer DNA ('MRD') in blood after treatment.
Uses advanced blood tests called 'liquid biopsies'.
Hopes to detect cancer recurrence very early to improve long-term health.
Involves regular blood tests and sharing medical information.
Applies to many different types of cancer.
Results might lead to opportunities for new preventative treatment studies.

Who may be eligible?

To join the SHERLOCK study, you must have had a cancer diagnosis confirmed by a doctor. This includes many types of cancer, such as breast, lung, skin (melanoma), and cancers in the tummy area. You need to be planning to have, or have recently completed (within the last 12 months), treatment that aims to cure your cancer, like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. You must also be at least 18 years old and willing to sign a consent form to take part.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've had another invasive cancer in the last two years (unless it was a very common, easily treated skin cancer or a specific type of cervical cancer). Also, if you've had an allogeneic stem cell transplant, this study might not be right for you. Your study doctor can tell you if you meet all the requirements.

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.

I have a diagnosed cancer.
I am planning to have, or have recently completed (within 1 year), treatment to try and cure my cancer.
I am at least 18 years old.
I have not had another invasive cancer in the last 2 years (except common skin cancers or certain cervical cancers).
I have not had an allogeneic stem cell transplant.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the SHERLOCK study, you will provide different types of samples. This could include blood, tissue (if available, e.g., from your surgery), urine, saliva, and fluid from surgical drains. These samples will be analysed to look for small amounts of cancer DNA. The study team will also collect information from your medical records, including your scan results, details about your cancer, the treatments you've had, and how you are doing over time. This information will help researchers understand how to best use these new tests.

When you're having your usual follow-up care, you will continue to give blood samples and have scans. These will help track if the cancer DNA clears up and see how you respond over time. If the study finds that you have molecular residual disease (MRD), your doctors might talk to you about joining other, separate studies that are testing new treatments aimed at stopping cancer from coming back. The total duration of your involvement will depend on your cancer type and how long your follow-up care usually lasts.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer potential benefits because it could help doctors learn how to detect cancer recurrence earlier, potentially leading to earlier intervention and better outcomes for future patients. For you personally, finding MRD might mean you are offered the chance to take part in other studies with new treatments, but this study itself doesn't offer direct treatment. The main risks are minimal and include the discomfort of blood draws and the time commitment for providing samples and allowing access to your medical records. You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Princess Margaret Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'molecular residual disease' or MRD?

MRD means there are tiny, hidden cancer cells left in your body after treatment that are too small for scans to see. We find them by looking for cancer DNA in your blood.

What is a 'liquid biopsy'?

A liquid biopsy is a special blood test that looks for cancer cells or cancer DNA circulating in your blood, rather than taking a piece of tissue.

Will this study change my cancer treatment?

This study itself doesn't provide treatment. However, if MRD is found, the results might help your doctor decide if you could join other studies that offer new preventative treatments.

What kinds of cancers are included?

Many types, including breast, lung, melanoma, and cancers of the gynaecological, urinary, digestive, and head/neck systems. Even some rare cancers are included.

Do I have to live near a study centre?

The study collects samples during your regular hospital visits, so you'd need to be receiving your cancer care at a participating hospital.

How to find out more

Kimberly Vuong

gilgan.centre@uhn.ca 437-676-6598 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.