QuicDNA Max

The QuicDNA Max programme is a new research programme that will explore how a simple blood test, called a liquid biopsy, can help doctors better understand and treat different types of cancer.

This test looks for cancer-related DNA in the blood, which can help guide treatment decisions and track how the disease changes over time. When cancer cells die, they get broken down and their contents, including small fragments of DNA, are released into the blood. This is called circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA).

Researchers have developed a new test that looks for ctDNA in the blood and detects the multiple genetic changes leading to tumour development. Finding DNA with genetic differences aids in diagnosing the type of tumour and helps doctors determine which treatment will be most effective. Taking a blood sample — a “liquid biopsy” — is less invasive than a solid tissue biopsy, which for some patients may be difficult or impossible. Furthermore, ctDNA test results can be available sooner compared with tissue genomic reports.

The QuicDNA Max research programme will start by focusing on the following cancers, but more will be added if funding allows:

• Lung cancer that has stopped responding to targeted treatment
• Cancer of unknown primary (when doctors do not know in which part of the body the cancer started)
• Bowel (colorectal) cancer
• Prostate cancer

Participants consenting to take part into the specific sub-study in any of the six Health Boards in Wales or Velindre Cancer Centre will be asked to donate a blood sample for ctDNA testing.

Chief Investigators

Name: Dr Magdalena Meissner, Global Chief Investigator
Email: magdalena.meissner@wales.nhs.uk

Name: Dr Sonali Dasgupta, Chief Investigator, QuicDNA Max, CUP Sub-study
Email: sonali.dasgupta@wales.nhs.uk

Name: Prof Richard Adams, Chief Investigator, QuicDNA Max, CRC Sub-study
Email: adamsra3@cardiff.ac.uk

Prof Martyn Evans, Chief Investigator, QuicDNA Max, CRC Sub-study
Email: martyn.evans@wales.nhs.uk

Funders: Eli Lilly and Company Ltd, Astra Zeneca, Merck Sharp and Dohme Ltd Office of Life Sciences Menarini Stemline UK Ltd, Amgen