Testing a smart algorithm to prevent chemotherapy treatment delays

Plain-English translation of NCT07283939 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether a new approach called the PAGODA algorithm can help prevent delays in your FOLFOX chemotherapy treatment. FOLFOX is a standard combination of three chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancers of the digestive system. The study compares two ways of deciding when and how to adjust your chemotherapy doses: your doctor's usual judgment versus guidance from the algorithm.

Sometimes chemotherapy has to be delayed or doses have to be adjusted because of side effects, and these unplanned delays can affect how well the treatment works. Researchers want to see if using a structured algorithm to guide dose decisions earlier might prevent these delays and help patients stay on their planned treatment schedule.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with a confirmed or suspected cancer of the digestive system (such as esophageal, stomach, colon, or rectal cancer)
your cancer care team has recommended FOLFOX chemotherapy as your standard treatment and you plan to receive at least four cycles
you have already completed your first cycle of FOLFOX chemotherapy within the past 1 to 8 days
you are at least 18 years old and in reasonably good overall health
your blood cell counts and organ function tests are within acceptable ranges before starting the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you have received other chemotherapy drugs for your cancer before (except the first cycle of FOLFOX)
you have a known severe allergy to oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, leucovorin, or platinum-based chemotherapy drugs
you have a genetic condition called DPD deficiency that makes it unsafe to receive fluorouracil
you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant during treatment
you have uncontrolled heart disease or a known history of congenital long QT syndrome

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you will continue your FOLFOX chemotherapy treatment as planned, and you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will have their dose adjustments decided by their doctor using standard practice, and the other group will have dose adjustments guided by the PAGODA algorithm (though your doctor still has the final say). You will be followed through cycles 2 to 7 of your chemotherapy, with the study team monitoring whether you experience treatment delays and how well the algorithm helps prevent them.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(344 sites)

United States

Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Fairbanks, Alaska

Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's, Phoenix, Arizona

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, Fort Smith, Arkansas

NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital and Fowler Family Cancer Center - Jonesboro, Jonesboro, Arkansas

CARTI Cancer Center, Little Rock, Arkansas