A study comparing tissue samples with blood samples from people with cancer of unknown primary (CUP-COM)
Please note - this trial is no longer recruiting patients. We hope to add results when they are available.
Cancer type:
Status:
Phase:
This study is to understand the changes that happen in the cells of people who are diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary.
More about this trial
Doctors diagnose cancer of unknown primary (CUP) when cancer has spread to another part of the body and doctors can’t tell where it has spread from.
Most cancers happen due to changes in the 
of cells. Doctors take tissue samples () and blood samples and send them to specialists () in the lab. They do tests to look for these gene changes.
In this study researchers will compare tests on the cells of your normal tissue with tests of the cells of the cancer tissue and blood samples. They are looking for any changes in the genes that might help them better diagnose CUP.
The main aim of this study is to identify gene changes that might help diagnose CUP. They also aim to find out whether this information will help them to better identify what the best treatment might be.
Who can enter
The following bullet points are a summary of the entry conditions for this study. Talk to your doctor or the study team if you are unsure about any of these. They will be able to advise you.
Who can take part
You may be able to join this trial if all of the following apply. You:
- have had tests that confirmed the diagnosis of a cancer of unknown primary (CUP)
- have an area of cancer where the team can take a sample of tissue (biopsy) using a
scan - have a previous sample of tissue the study team can access
- are willing to give up to 3 blood samples
- are up and about, can look after yourself but might not be able to work (performance status 0, 1 or 2)
- are at least 16 years old
Who can’t take part
You cannot join this study if any of these apply. You:
- have had tests showing a cancer type that there is treatment for
- have HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C or COVID-19
- have a problem with bleeding. You can take part if you are taking blood thinning medication such as warfarin. This is as long as it is well managed and safe to take the tissue and blood samples.
- have any other medical condition or mental health problem that your doctor or a member of the study team thinks could affect you taking part
Trial design
The study team need between 120 and 140 people to take part.
You give tissue samples and blood samples when you join the study.
The blood samples are taken as part of your routine bloods where possible.
As part of your treatment you might need to have a tissue sample taken. The team will ask for some of the sample if there is any to spare.
The team will also ask for another tissue sample and blood samples if your cancer gets worse.
The team will ask to store some of your samples for future research. You don’t have to agree to this.
Researchers will compare the genes in these samples with the genes in your normal cells. They are looking for any differences.
The study team will share the results of the tests with you. There might be some tests that don’t affect your treatment but may show an increase in risk of other medical conditions or an increased risk of cancer for your family. It is important to think about this. A member of the team or your doctor will talk to you about this.
Knowing about the results of the genes tests might cause some emotional or mental distress. The study team or your doctor can refer you to a specialist (genetic ). They can tell you more about the results and what they might mean for you and your family.
Hospital visits
Tissue samples (biopsies) taken as part of the study will be extra to those that you would have if you did not take part.
Side effects
You might get some discomfort, bruising or bleeding from where they take the blood sample.
You might get some pain, discomfort, swelling or bleeding from where they take the tissue sample. You might also get an infection at the site.
Recruitment start:
Recruitment end:
How to join a clinical trial
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Chief Investigator
Dr Natalie Cook
Supported by
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Roche
Innovate UK
ConcR
Durham University
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040
