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Genetic testing of tumor samples to guide personalized cancer treatment options

Tests tumor samples for gene changes to help choose treatment options for people with cancer.

Key facts

Who runs it
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Where
Houston, United StatesSee the site
Trial code
Registry title
Molecular Testing for the MD Anderson Cancer Center Personalized Cancer Therapy Program
Status
Recruiting
People taking part
12,000 people, planned
Started
1 Mar 2012
Expected to end
1 Mar 2033
Type of study
Observational
Treatments tested
  • Biospecimen Collection
  • Genetic Testing
  • Medical Chart Review
Record updated
21 August 2026

Who can take part

AI summary

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for people with cancer, or suspected glioma, sarcoma, melanoma or blood cancer. Their tumor tissue is tested for gene changes to help find treatment options.

Sex
All sexes can join.
Disease stage
Cancer proven by tissue, scan or cell tests, or suspected glioma, sarcoma, melanoma or blood cancer. People with benign tumors can join if their doctor thinks gene testing may matter for their care.
Earlier treatment
For the blood DNA test group, people being considered for clinical trials in their next 2 lines of therapy can join.
Biomarker or test result
No specific gene change is required. Tumor tissue is tested to find which genes have changed.

Main reasons for not taking part

  • Cannot join without being able to understand and sign a written consent form
  • Gene testing is only done if enough stored tumor tissue is available

The registry criteria, word for word

Show all 4 criteriaShow less

Who can take part

  • Patients must have histologically, radiographic, or cytologically documented cancer, suspected glioma, sarcoma, melanoma or hematologic cancer. Patients with benign tumors may also be consented at the discretion of the attending physician if molecular profiling is felt to have potential clinical implications
  • Patients must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document
  • Patients may be consented without confirming the amount and quality of archival diagnostic or residual tissue available. However, research testing will only be performed on patients who have sufficient archived diagnostic tissue or residual tissue banked in one of the authorized tissue banks at MD Anderson available to proceed with testing. The extent of testing may be modified based on amount of tissue available. If any new tissue acquisition including a biopsy and/or surgical resection etc. is being ordered for clinical care or another research study, or an operation is being performed testing can be ordered on that sample
  • Circulating cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) Cohort: Circulating cell-free DNA next generation sequencing (NGS) testing will be performed with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA)-certified Guardant360 panel (or equivalent) for select patients. This particular cohort of research collaboration will be supported by Guardant Health, Inc. at no charge to MD Anderson. Patients who are being considered for enrollment into clinical trials in the next 2 lines of therapy may be enrolled. Selected patients may have cfDNA, circulating RNA /exosome/circulating tumor cell testing approaches performed on alternate platforms (eg Foundation ACT)

Where in United States

  • M D Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, United StatesContact: Funda Meric-BernstamTaking people

About the trial

What the trial wants to find out

This study performs standardized testing of tumor tissue samples to learn which genes are mutated (have changed) in order to provide personalized cancer therapy options to cancer patients at MD Anderson. This may help doctors use testing information on tumors to identify clinical trials that may be most relevant to patients. Researchers may also use the information learned from this study to develop a database of the different kinds of mutations in cancer-related genes.

The group in the trial

  • Ancillary-correlative (biospecimen collection, chart review)

    Patients' previously collected tissue samples are analyzed. Patients may also undergo collection of blood, saliva or buccal samples for analysis. Patients' medical records are reviewed.

    Treatment: Biospecimen Collection, Genetic Testing, and Medical Chart Review

Questions to ask the study team

  1. How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
  2. Are travel costs paid?
  3. Can I keep my own doctor?
  4. What happens if I want to stop?

Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations

Print a page for my doctor

Data and sources

Registry record
Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Official title
Molecular Testing for the MD Anderson Cancer Center Personalized Cancer Therapy Program
Plain-language title
Genetic testing of tumor samples to guide personalized cancer treatment optionsGenerated from the registry record. The registry title is the official one.
AI summary
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Read by machine on 12 November 2026.
Record updated
21 August 2026