MODUL—a multicenter randomized clinical trial of biomarker-driven maintenance therapy following first-line standard induction treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer: an adaptable signal-seeking approach

Purpose: The old approach of one therapeutic for all patients with mCRC is evolving with a need to target specific molecular aberrations or cell-signalling pathways. Molecular screening approaches and new biomarkers are required to fully characterize tumours, identify patients most likely to benefit, and predict treatment response. Methods: MODUL is a signal-seeking trial with a design that is highly adaptable, permitting modification of different treatment cohorts and inclusion of further additional cohorts based on novel evidence on new compounds/combinations that emerge during the study. Results: MODUL is ongoing and its adaptable nature permits timely and efficient recruitment of patients into the most appropriate cohort. Recruitment will take place over approximately 5 years in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. The design of MODUL with ongoing parallel/sequential treatment cohorts means that the overall size and duration of the trial can be modified/prolonged based on accumulation of new data. Conclusions: The early success of the current trial suggests that the design may provide definitive leads in a patient-friendly and relatively economical trial structure. Along with other biomarker-driven trials that are currently underway, it is hoped that MODUL will contribute to the continuing evolution of clinical trial design and permit a more ‘tailored’ approach to the treatment of patients with mCRC.