Dr. Azzi on the Utilization of the Signatera ctDNA Assay in the CIRCULATE-US Trial in CRC

Georges Azzi, MD, co-director, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Prostate Cancer, Holy Cross Health, discusses the utilization of the Signatera circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assay in the ongoing phase 2/3 CIRCULATE-US (NRG-GI008) trial in colorectal cancer (CRC).

In the CIRCULATE-US trial, if ctDNA is detected, patients are randomization between standard of care chemotherapy given over the course of 6 months vs FOLFOXIRI, Azzi explains. However, if ctDNA is not detected by the assay, patients are randomization between standard chemotherapy vs surveillance with serial ctDNA testing, Azzi adds.

Moreover, if the ctDNA is not detected, patients on survellience will continue without chemotherapy; however, if serial ctDNA testing detects ctDNA during follow-up, patients will be randomized to the chemotherapy regimens, Azzi continues. Ultimately, the first arm of the study will include patients who receive up-front chemotherapy based on the presence of ctDNA, whereas the second arm will include those patients who receive chemotherapy after based on the initial absence of ctDNA, Azzi concludes.