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NCT05174169 · NRG Oncology

Colon Adjuvant Chemotherapy Based on Evaluation of Residual Disease

(CIRCULATE-US)

What this study is about

This Phase II/III trial will evaluate the what kind of chemotherapy to recommend to patients based on the presence or absences of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) after surgery for colon cancer.

View original scientific description

This Phase II/III trial will evaluate the what kind of chemotherapy to recommend to patients based on the presence or absences of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) after surgery for colon cancer.

Interventions

DEVICE

Signatera test

Central ctDNA testing for all patients

DRUG

mFOLFOX6 3-6 month

Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 IV + Leucovorin 400mg/m2 IV + 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) 400mg/m2 bolus + 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) 2400mg/m2 IV continuous infusion over 46-48 hours (total dose) Day1 every 2 weeks for 6-12 cycles

DRUG

CAPOX 3 month

Oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 IV Day 1 every 3 weeks + Capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 BID by mouth days 1-14 every 3 weeks for 4 cycles

DRUG

mFOLFIRINOX

Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 IV + Leucovorin 400mg/m2 IV + Irinotecan 150 mg/m2 IV continuous infusion (30-90 minutes) + 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) 2400mg/m2 IV continuous infusion over 46-48 hours (total dose) Day1 every 2 weeks for 12 cycles

DRUG

mFOLFOX6 6 month

Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 IV + Leucovorin 400mg/m2 IV + 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) 400mg/m2 bolus + 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) 2400mg/m2 IV continuous infusion over 46-48 hours (total dose) Day1 every 2 weeks for 12 cycles

DRUG

CAPOX 6 month

Oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 IV Day 1 every 3 weeks + Capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 BID by mouth days 1-14 every 3 weeks for 8 cycles

Primary outcome measures

ctDNA positive status (TTPos)

Time frame: Time from randomization to the first TTPos event, a maximum of 3 years

TTPos is defined as time from randomization until ctDNA positive event: TTPos events are first ctDNA positive result after randomization for the immediate adjuvant chemo arm (Arm 1), 2nd ctDNA positive result after randomization for the delayed adjuvant chemo (Arm 2) and recurrence without a positive ctDNA result for both arms.

Disease-Free Survival (DFS)

Time frame: Time from randomization to disease-free survival event, a maximum of 5 years]

Time from randomization to first disease-free survival event (recurrence, second primary colorectal cancer or death from any cause).

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • The patient must have an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1. Patients must have histologically/pathologically confirmed Stage IIB, IIC, or Stage III colon adenocarcinoma with R0 resection according to AJCC 8th edition criteria. No radiographic evidence of overt metastatic disease within 45 days prior to Step 1/Study entry (CT with IV contrast or MRI imaging is acceptable and must include chest, abdomen, and pelvis). The distal extent of the tumor must be greater than or equal to 12 cm from the anal verge on colonoscopy or above the peritoneal reflection as documented during surgery or on pathology specimen (i.e., excluding rectal adenocarcinomas warranting treatment with chemoradiation). The patient must have had an en bloc complete gross resection of tumor (curative resection). Patients who have had a two-stage surgical procedure, to first provide a decompressive colostomy and then in a later procedure to have the definitive surgical resection, are eligible. The resected tumor specimen and a blood specimen from patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or Stage III colon cancer must have central testing for ctDNA using the Signatera™ assay by Natera (after Step 1/Study entry and before Step2/Randomization). Patient must have sufficient tissue to meet protocol requirements. This blood specimen for the Signatera assay must be collected after surgery (and recommended at least 14 days post surgery). Tumor must be documented as microsatellite stable or have intact mismatch repair proteins through CLIA-approved laboratory testing. Patients whose tumors are MSI-H or dMMR are excluded. The treating investigator must deem the patient a candidate for all potential agents used in this trial (5FU, LV, oxaliplatin and irinotecan). The interval between surgery (post-operative Day 7) and Step 1/Study entry must be no more than 60 days. NOTE: Step 1/Study Entry may occur as early as post operative Day 7, but it cannot occur beyond 60 days from the actual date of the patient's surgery. Availability and provision of adequate surgical tumor tissue for molecular diagnostics and confirmatory profiling. Adequate hematologic function within 28 days before Step 1/Study entry defined as follows:
  • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) must be greater than or equal to 1500/mm3;
  • Participants with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN): ANC less than 1300 mm3 are eligible.
  • BEN (also known as constitutional neutropenia) is an inherited cause of mild or moderate neutropenia that is not associated with any increased risk for infections or other clinical manifestations. BEN is referred to as ethnic neutropenia because of its increased prevalence in people of African descent and other specific ethnic groups.
  • Platelet count must be greater than or equal to 100,000/mm3; and
  • Hemoglobin must be greater than or equal to 9 g/dL. Adequate hepatic function within 28 days before Step 1/Study entry defined as follows:
  • total bilirubin must be less than or equal to ULN (upper limit of normal) for the lab and
  • alkaline phosphatase must be less than 2.5 x ULN for the lab; and
  • AST and ALT must be less than 2.5 x ULN for the lab. Adequate renal function within 28 days before Step 1/Study entry defined as serum creatinine less than or equal to 1.5 x ULN for the lab or measured or calculated creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 50 mL/min using the Cockroft-Gault formula for patients with creatinine levels greater than 1.5 x ULN for the lab. For Women Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) = (140 - age) x weight (kg) x 0.85 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dL) For Men Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) = (140 - age) x weight (kg) 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dL) NOTE: Adjusted body weight (AdjBW) should be used for patients that have BMI greater than or equal to 28 (less than or equal to 30% above IBW). HIV-infected patients on effective anti-retroviral therapy with undetectable viral load within 6 months are eligible for this trial. Pregnancy test (urine or serum according to institutional standard) done within 14 days before Step 1/Study entry must be negative (for women of childbearing potential only). Patients receiving a coumarin-derivative anticoagulant must agree to weekly monitoring of INR if they are randomized to Arm 1 or Arm 3 and receive capecitabine. Eligibility Criteria for Cohort A Arm-2 patients on Second Randomization Patient must have developed a ctDNA +ve assay during serial monitoring. Patient's willingness to be re-randomized affirmed. The patient must continue to have an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1. No radiographic evidence of overt metastatic disease. Pregnancy test (urine or serum according to institutional standard) done within 14 days before second randomization must be negative (for women of childbearing potential only). Adequate hematologic function within 28 days before second randomization defined as follows:
  • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) must be greater than or equal to 1500/mm3;
  • Participants with benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN): ANC less than 1300 mm3 are eligible.
  • BEN (also known as constitutional neutropenia) is an inherited cause of mild or moderate neutropenia that is not associated with any increased risk for infections or other clinical manifestations. BEN is referred to as ethnic neutropenia because of its increased prevalence in people of African descent and other specific ethnic groups.
  • Platelet count must be greater than or equal to 100,000/mm3; and
  • Hemoglobin must be greater than or equal to 9 g/dL. Adequate hepatic function within 28 days before second randomization defined as follows:
  • total bilirubin must be less than or equal to ULN (upper limit of normal) for the lab and
  • alkaline phosphatase must be less than 2.5 x ULN for the lab; and
  • AST and ALT must be less than 2.5 x ULN for the lab. Adequate renal function within 28 days before second randomization defined as serum creatinine less than or equal to 1.5 x ULN for the lab or measured or calculated creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 50 mL/min using the Cockroft-Gault formula for patients with creatinine levels greater than 1.5 x ULN for the lab. For Women Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) = (140 - age) x weight (kg) x 0.85 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dL) For Men Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) = (140 - age) x weight (kg) 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dL)

Exclusion criteria

  • Colon cancer histology other than adenocarcinoma (i.e., neuroendocrine carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, etc.). Pathologic, clinical, or radiologic overt evidence of metastatic disease. This includes isolated, distant, or non-contiguous intra-abdominal metastases, even if resected. Tumor-related bowel perforation. History of prior invasive colon malignancy, regardless of disease-free interval. History of bone marrow or solid organ transplantation (regardless of current immunosuppressive therapy needs). Bone grafts, skin grafts, corneal transplants and organ/tissue donation are not exclusionary. Any prior systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy; or radiation therapy administered as treatment for colorectal cancer (e.g., primary colon adenocarcinomas for which treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation is warranted are not permitted). EXCEPTION: one cycle of chemotherapy (regimen per treating physicians' discretion - 5-FU or capecitabine with or without oxaliplatin) is allowed but not required after consent. The optional cycle of chemotherapy should be started greater than or equal to 4 weeks from surgery and while awaiting Step 2 randomization. Other invasive malignancy within 5 years before Step 1/Study entry. Exceptions are colonic polyps, non-melanoma skin cancer or any carcinoma-in-situ. Synchronous primary rectal and/ or colon cancers. Patients with known history or current symptoms of cardiac disease, or history of treatment with cardiotoxic agents, should have a clinical risk assessment of cardiac function using the New York Heart Association Functional Classification. To be eligible for this trial, patients should be class 2B or better. Sensory or motor neuropathy greater than or equal to grade 2, according to CTCAE v5.0. Blood transfusion within two weeks before collection of blood for central ctDNA testing. Active seizure disorder uncontrolled by medication. Active or chronic infection requiring systemic therapy. Known homozygous DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency. Patients known to have Gilbert's Syndrome or homozygosity for UGT1A1\*28 polymorphism. Pregnancy or lactation at the time of Step 1/Study entry. Co-morbid illnesses or other concurrent disease that would make the patient inappropriate for entry into this study (i.e., unable to tolerate 6 months of combination chemotherapy or interfere significantly with the proper assessment of safety and toxicity of the prescribed regimens or prevent required follow-up). Ineligibility Criteria for Cohort A Arm-2 patients on Second Randomization Pregnancy or lactation at the time of randomization. No longer a candidate for systemic chemotherapy (FOLFOX, CAPOX, and mFOLFIRINOX) in the opinion of the treating investigator.

Where

  • Birmingham, Alabama
  • Fairhope, Alabama
  • Mobile, Alabama
  • Kingman, Arizona
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Tucson, Arizona
  • Fort Smith, Arkansas
  • Hot Springs, Arkansas
  • Jonesboro, Arkansas
  • Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Anaheim, California
  • Antioch, California

And 714 more locations — see the full list below.

Collaborators

Natera, Inc., National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Related conditions & keywords

Stage III Colon CancerctDNA positivectDNA negativeAdjuvant ChemotherapyNateraSignateramFOLFOX6Stage IIICAPOXmFOLFIRINOXOxaliplatin5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)CapecitabineLeucovorin

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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Study locations

Choose your preferred location, or select flexible during enrollment.

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Birmingham

Alabama

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Fairhope

Alabama

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Mobile

Alabama

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Mobile

Alabama

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Kingman

Arizona

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Phoenix

Arizona

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Tucson

Arizona

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Tucson

Arizona

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And 1028 more locations available.

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Colon Cancer Treatment in Birmingham?

Join others in Alabama exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Colon Cancer Treatment Options in Birmingham, Alabama

If you're searching for Colon Cancer treatment in Birmingham, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Birmingham, Fairhope, Mobile and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Colon Cancer. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
3 locations in Alabama
Now Enrolling
Up to 1912 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Colon Cancer?

Potential Benefits

  • ✓Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • ✓Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • ✓Study-related care provided at no cost
  • ✓Contribute to medical research for Colon Cancer

What to Expect

  • →Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • →Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • →Possible compensation for time and travel
  • →You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Colon Cancer Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT05174169. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.