Recruiting

Testing a new drug combination for colon cancer that's hard to treat

Plain-English translation of NCT04920032 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a combination of two medications— and —for people with colon cancer who still show signs of cancer (detected by a blood test) after completing initial chemotherapy. The study aims to see whether this new drug combination can help eliminate the remaining cancer and improve outcomes for patients who haven't responded fully to standard treatment.

Some patients with colon cancer continue to have detectable cancer cells in their blood even after receiving chemotherapy. This medication combination was chosen because it may be effective against cancer that doesn't respond well to standard treatments, offering hope for patients who have limited options.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma (stage II, III, or IV) and have had surgery to remove the cancer
you have completed at least 3 months of chemotherapy after your surgery
a blood test shows you still have detectable cancer cells (positive ctDNA) after chemotherapy
you are at least 18 years old and in reasonably good overall health
your blood counts, liver, and kidney function are adequate based on lab tests
you are able to swallow tablets and understand the study requirements

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had major surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation within the past 2–4 weeks
you are still experiencing severe side effects from your previous cancer treatment
you have cancer that has spread to other parts of your body (metastases)
you have a serious infection, heart disease, or uncontrolled psychiatric condition that would prevent you from safely participating
you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or cannot commit to using contraception during and for 90 days after treatment

What participation looks like

You would receive the two-drug combination every 14 days in treatment cycles. One medication () is taken as a tablet by mouth on days 1–5 of each cycle, and the other () is given as an intravenous infusion on day 1. If your blood cell counts drop too low, you may also receive a growth factor injection (G-CSF) to help your bone marrow recover. The study will monitor your health with regular blood tests and check-ups throughout your participation.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 11, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California