RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Analysis of Circulating Tumor mArkers in Blood 4 - ALCINA 4

The ALCINA 4 study is exploring new ways to detect and monitor cancer using simple blood tests. Researchers are interested in tiny bits of cancer material that circulate in your blood. This study aims to see if these 'circulating tumour markers' can help doctors diagnose cancer, predict how it might behave, and check how well treatments are working. This could potentially make it easier and less uncomfortable to track cancer compared to traditional biopsies. If you take part, your usual cancer care will continue as normal, and you'll have blood samples taken over a period of time.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institut Curie

Enrolment target

2,050

Start

19 May 2022

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2031

Cancer

What is this study about?

The ALCINA 4 study is a research project looking at how we can use new information found in your blood to understand cancer better. For many years, doctors have used blood tests to check for certain markers, like proteins, that can be linked to cancer. Now, scientists are excited about even tinier things in the blood, such as small pieces of cancer DNA or cells, which can give us a lot more detail.

The main idea behind this study is to see if we can get as much useful information about your cancer from a simple blood test – sometimes called a 'liquid biopsy' – as we can from a tissue sample taken directly from the tumour (a 'biopsy'). Biopsies can be uncomfortable and sometimes carry risks, so finding a way to get this information from blood would be a big step forward. This could help doctors work out the best treatment for you, see if treatments are working, or even spot if the cancer is changing.

Taking part in ALCINA 4 will not change the standard treatment you receive for your cancer. This study is purely for research purposes to gather information and help develop better tests for the future. The aim is to make cancer diagnosis and monitoring easier and more precise for everyone.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve cancer detection and monitoring using blood tests.
It won't change your current cancer treatment.
You'll provide blood samples over several months or years.
Could help make future cancer diagnosis less invasive.
You can stop participating at any time.
Your data will help advance cancer research.

Who may be eligible?

To join the ALCINA 4 study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and you must be receiving cancer treatment at one of the hospitals taking part in the study. It's important that you live in a place where it's easy for you to get to your appointments and that you're able to understand and sign a consent form, agreeing to take part.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently having cancer treatment at a participating hospital?
Are you able to get to study appointments easily?
Are you able to understand and sign a consent form?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join ALCINA 4, you will continue with your standard cancer treatment as planned by your doctors; the study won't change this. What will be different is that you'll be asked to give blood samples at various times, potentially up to 4 or more times over a period that could last up to 18, 24, or even 36 months, depending on the specific part of the study you are in. In some cases, a tumour sample (biopsy) might also be collected once, but only if it's already part of your medical care and discussed with you.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is contributing to important research that could lead to better ways of understanding and treating cancer in the future. There are no direct personal benefits from taking part, as it won't change your current care. The main risk involves giving blood samples, which might cause minor discomfort, bruising, or, very rarely, infection at the needle site. If a biopsy is needed, this carries its own small risks, which your doctor will explain. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without explaining why, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Institut Curie
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting
Institut Curie
Verified postcode
Saint-Cloud, France· Recruiting

Common questions

Will my cancer treatment change if I join this study?

No, your cancer treatment will continue exactly as your doctors have planned. This study is only for research and won't affect your care.

What is a 'liquid biopsy'?

A 'liquid biopsy' is a simple blood test that can look for tiny pieces of cancer material in your blood, similar to how a tissue biopsy looks at a piece of the tumour itself.

How many blood samples will I need to give?

You might give up to 4 or more blood samples over a period of up to 18, 24, or 36 months, depending on your specific study group.

Do I need to have a biopsy if I join?

Possibly. If a tumour tissue sample is needed, it will only be taken once and only if it's considered safe and appropriate by your doctor.

Can I stop being part of the study whenever I want?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any point, and this won't change your medical care or relationship with your doctors.

How to find out more

Marie-Emmanuelle LEGRIER

drci.promotion@curie.fr 0033156245649 Official trial record

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