Clinical Trial Matching for Precision Medicine
Transform patient molecular profiles and clinical characteristics into prioritized clinical trial recommendations. Searches ClinicalTrials.gov and cross-references with molecular databases (CIViC, OpenTargets, ChEMBL, FDA) to produce evidence-graded, scored trial matches.
KEY PRINCIPLES:
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Report-first approach - Create report file FIRST, then populate progressively
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Patient-centric - Every recommendation considers the individual patient's profile
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Molecular-first matching - Prioritize trials targeting patient's specific biomarkers
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Evidence-graded - Every recommendation has an evidence tier (T1-T4)
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Quantitative scoring - Trial Match Score (0-100) for every trial
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Eligibility-aware - Parse and evaluate inclusion/exclusion criteria
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Actionable output - Clear next steps, contact info, enrollment status
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Source-referenced - Every statement cites the tool/database source
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Completeness checklist - Mandatory section showing analysis coverage
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English-first queries - Always use English terms in tool calls. Respond in user's language
When to Use
Apply when user asks:
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"What clinical trials are available for my NSCLC with EGFR L858R?"
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"Patient has BRAF V600E melanoma, failed ipilimumab - what trials?"
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"Find basket trials for NTRK fusion"
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"Breast cancer with HER2 amplification, post-CDK4/6 inhibitor trials"
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"KRAS G12C colorectal cancer clinical trials"
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"Immunotherapy trials for TMB-high solid tumors"
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"Clinical trials near Boston for lung cancer"
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"What are my options after failing osimertinib for EGFR+ NSCLC?"
NOT for (use other skills instead):
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Single variant interpretation without trial focus -> Use tooluniverse-cancer-variant-interpretation
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Drug safety profiling -> Use tooluniverse-adverse-event-detection
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Target validation -> Use tooluniverse-drug-target-validation
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General disease research -> Use tooluniverse-disease-research
Input Parsing
Required Input
- Disease/cancer type: Free-text disease name (e.g., "non-small cell lung cancer", "melanoma")
Strongly Recommended
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Molecular alterations: One or more biomarkers (e.g., "EGFR L858R", "KRAS G12C", "PD-L1 50%", "TMB-high")
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Stage/grade: Disease stage (e.g., "Stage IV", "metastatic", "locally advanced")
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Prior treatments: Previous therapies and outcomes (e.g., "failed platinum chemotherapy", "progressed on osimertinib")
Optional
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Performance status: ECOG or Karnofsky score (e.g., "ECOG 0-1")
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Geographic location: City/state for proximity filtering (e.g., "Boston, MA")
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Trial phase preference: I, II, III, IV, or "any"
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Intervention type: drug, biological, device, etc.
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Recruiting status preference: recruiting, not yet recruiting, active
Biomarker Parsing Rules
Input Format Parsed As Example
Gene + amino acid change Specific mutation EGFR L858R
Gene + exon notation Exon-level alteration EGFR exon 19 deletion
Gene + fusion partner Fusion EML4-ALK fusion
Gene + amplification Copy number gain HER2 amplification
Gene + expression level Expression biomarker PD-L1 50%
Gene + status Status biomarker MSI-high, TMB-high
Gene + resistance Resistance mutation EGFR T790M
Gene Symbol Normalization
Common Alias Official Symbol Notes
HER2 ERBB2 Search both in trials
PD-L1 CD274 Often searched as "PD-L1" in trials
ALK ALK EML4-ALK is a fusion
VEGF VEGFA Often searched as "VEGF"
PD-1 PDCD1 Search as "PD-1" in trials
BRCA BRCA1/BRCA2 Specify which BRCA gene
Phase 0: Tool Parameter Reference (CRITICAL)
BEFORE calling ANY tool, verify its parameters from this reference table.
Clinical Trial Tools
Tool Parameters Notes
search_clinical_trials
query_term (REQUIRED str), condition (str), intervention (str), pageSize (int, default 10), pageToken (str) Main search. Returns {studies: [{NCT ID, brief_title, brief_summary, overall_status, condition, phase}], nextPageToken, total_count}
clinical_trials_search
action (REQUIRED, must be "search_studies" ), condition (str), intervention (str), limit (int) Alternative search. Returns {total_count, studies: [{nctId, title, status, conditions}]}
clinical_trials_get_details
action (REQUIRED, must be "get_study_details" ), nct_id (REQUIRED str) Full trial details. Returns {nctId, title, summary, eligibility: {eligibilityCriteria}, ...}
get_clinical_trial_eligibility_criteria
nct_ids (REQUIRED array), eligibility_criteria (REQUIRED str, use "all" ) Returns [{NCT ID, eligibility_criteria}]
get_clinical_trial_locations
nct_ids (REQUIRED array), location (REQUIRED str, use "all" ) Returns [{NCT ID, locations: [{facility, city, state, country}]}]
get_clinical_trial_descriptions
nct_ids (REQUIRED array), description_type (REQUIRED str: "brief" or "full" ) Returns [{NCT ID, brief_title, official_title, brief_summary, detailed_description}]
get_clinical_trial_status_and_dates
nct_ids (REQUIRED array), status_and_date (REQUIRED str, use "all" ) Returns [{NCT ID, overall_status, start_date, primary_completion_date, completion_date}]
get_clinical_trial_conditions_and_interventions
nct_ids (REQUIRED array), condition_and_intervention (REQUIRED str, use "all" ) Returns [{NCT ID, condition, arm_groups, interventions}]
get_clinical_trial_outcome_measures
nct_ids (REQUIRED array), outcome_measures (str: "primary" , "secondary" , "all" ) Returns [{NCT ID, primary_outcomes, secondary_outcomes}]
extract_clinical_trial_outcomes
nct_ids (REQUIRED array), outcome_measure (str) Returns trial outcome results
extract_clinical_trial_adverse_events
nct_ids (REQUIRED array), adverse_event_type (str) Returns adverse event data
Molecular/Disease Tools
Tool Parameters Notes
MyGene_query_genes
query (str), species (str) Returns {hits: [{symbol, entrezgene, ensembl: {gene}, name}]}
OpenTargets_get_target_id_description_by_name
targetName (str) Returns {data: {search: {hits: [{id, name, description}]}}}
OpenTargets_get_disease_id_description_by_name
diseaseName (str) Returns {data: {search: {hits: [{id, name, description}]}}}
OpenTargets_get_associated_drugs_by_target_ensemblID
ensemblId (str), size (int) Returns {data: {target: {knownDrugs: {count, rows: [{drug: {id, name, isApproved}, phase, mechanismOfAction, disease: {id, name}}]}}}}
OpenTargets_get_associated_drugs_by_disease_efoId
efoId (str), size (int) Returns {data: {disease: {knownDrugs: {count, rows: [...]}}}}
OpenTargets_get_drug_id_description_by_name
drugName (str) Returns {data: {search: {hits: [{id, name, description}]}}}
OpenTargets_get_drug_mechanisms_of_action_by_chemblId
chemblId (str) Returns {data: {drug: {mechanismsOfAction: {rows: [{mechanismOfAction, actionType, targetName, targets}]}}}}
OpenTargets_get_approved_indications_by_drug_chemblId
chemblId (str) Returns {data: {drug: {approvedIndications: [efoIds]}}}
OpenTargets_target_disease_evidence
ensemblId (str), efoId (str), size (int) Returns target-disease evidence rows
CIViC Tools
Tool Parameters Notes
civic_search_variants
query (str), limit (int) Does NOT filter by query. Returns alphabetically sorted variants
civic_get_variants_by_gene
gene_id (int, CIViC gene ID), limit (int) Returns {data: {gene: {variants: {nodes: [{id, name}]}}}} . Max 100 per call
civic_search_evidence_items
query (str), limit (int) Does NOT filter by query. Returns evidence alphabetically
civic_get_variant
variant_id (int) Returns {data: {variant: {id, name}}}
civic_search_therapies
query (str), limit (int) Search therapies
civic_search_diseases
query (str), limit (int) Search diseases
Known CIViC Gene IDs: EGFR=19, BRAF=5, ALK=1, ABL1=4, KRAS=30, TP53=45, ERBB2=20, NTRK1=197, NTRK2=560, NTRK3=561, PIK3CA=37, MET=52, ROS1=118, RET=122, BRCA1=2370, BRCA2=2371
Drug Information Tools
Tool Parameters Notes
drugbank_get_targets_by_drug_name_or_drugbank_id
query , case_sensitive , exact_match , limit (ALL REQUIRED) Returns {results: [{drug_name, drugbank_id, targets: [{name, organism, actions}]}]}
drugbank_get_indications_by_drug_name_or_drugbank_id
query , case_sensitive , exact_match , limit (ALL REQUIRED) Returns drug indications
ChEMBL_search_drugs
query (str), limit (int) Returns {status, data: {drugs: [...]}}
ChEMBL_get_drug_mechanisms
drug_chembl_id__exact (str) Returns drug mechanisms
fda_pharmacogenomic_biomarkers
drug_name (opt str), biomarker (opt str), limit (opt int, default 10) Returns {count, shown, results: [{Drug, TherapeuticArea, Biomarker, LabelingSection}]} . Use limit=1000 to get all.
FDA_get_indications_by_drug_name
drug_name (str), limit (int) Returns FDA indications text
FDA_get_mechanism_of_action_by_drug_name
drug_name (str), limit (int) Returns FDA MoA text
FDA_get_clinical_studies_info_by_drug_name
drug_name (str), limit (int) Returns FDA clinical study info
FDA_get_adverse_reactions_by_drug_name
drug_name (str), limit (int) Returns adverse reactions
Disease Ontology Tools
Tool Parameters Notes
ols_search_efo_terms
query (str), limit (int) Returns {data: {terms: [{iri, obo_id, short_form, label, description}]}}
ols_get_efo_term
term_id (str) Get specific EFO term details
ols_get_efo_term_children
term_id (str) Get child terms
Literature Tools
Tool Parameters Notes
PubMed_search_articles
query (str), max_results (int) Returns list of {pmid, title, abstract, authors, journal, pub_date}
openalex_literature_search
query (str), limit (int) Returns literature results
PharmGKB Tools
Tool Parameters Notes
PharmGKB_search_genes
query (str) Returns gene pharmacogenomics data
PharmGKB_get_clinical_annotations
query (str) Returns clinical annotations
Workflow Overview
Input: Patient profile (disease + biomarkers + stage + prior treatments)
Phase 1: Patient Profile Standardization
- Resolve disease to EFO/ontology IDs
- Parse molecular alterations to gene + variant
- Resolve gene symbols to Ensembl/Entrez IDs
- Classify biomarker actionability (FDA-approved vs investigational)
Phase 2: Broad Trial Discovery
- Disease-based trial search (ClinicalTrials.gov)
- Biomarker-specific trial search
- Intervention-based search (for known drugs targeting patient's biomarkers)
- Collect NCT IDs for detailed analysis
Phase 3: Trial Characterization
- Get eligibility criteria for top candidate trials
- Get conditions and interventions
- Get locations and status
- Get trial descriptions and phase information
Phase 4: Molecular Eligibility Matching
- Parse eligibility criteria text for biomarker requirements
- Match patient's molecular profile to trial requirements
- Score molecular eligibility
Phase 5: Drug-Biomarker Alignment
- Identify trial intervention drugs
- Check drug mechanisms against patient biomarkers (OpenTargets, ChEMBL)
- FDA approval status for biomarker-drug combinations
- Classify drugs (targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy)
Phase 6: Evidence Assessment
- FDA-approved biomarker-drug combinations
- Clinical trial results for similar patients (PubMed)
- CIViC clinical evidence
- PharmGKB pharmacogenomics
- Drug safety profiles
Phase 7: Geographic & Feasibility Analysis
- Trial site locations
- Enrollment status and dates
- Distance from patient location (if provided)
Phase 8: Alternative Options
- Basket trials (biomarker-driven, tumor-agnostic)
- Expanded access and compassionate use
- Related trials with different study designs
Phase 9: Scoring & Ranking
- Calculate Trial Match Score (0-100) for each trial
- Tier classification (Optimal/Good/Possible/Exploratory)
- Rank by composite score
- Generate recommendations
Phase 10: Report Synthesis
- Executive summary (top 3 trials)
- Patient profile summary
- Ranked trial list with detailed analysis
- Alternative options
- Evidence grading
- Completeness checklist
Phase 1: Patient Profile Standardization
Goal: Resolve all patient inputs to standardized identifiers for cross-database queries.
1.1 Disease Resolution
def resolve_disease(tu, disease_name): """Resolve disease name to EFO ID and standard terminology.""" # OpenTargets disease search result = tu.tools.OpenTargets_get_disease_id_description_by_name(diseaseName=disease_name) hits = result.get('data', {}).get('search', {}).get('hits', [])
if hits:
disease_info = hits[0]
return {
'efo_id': disease_info.get('id'),
'name': disease_info.get('name'),
'description': disease_info.get('description'),
'original_input': disease_name
}
# Fallback: OLS EFO search
ols_result = tu.tools.ols_search_efo_terms(query=disease_name, limit=5)
ols_terms = ols_result.get('data', {}).get('terms', [])
if ols_terms:
term = ols_terms[0]
return {
'efo_id': term.get('short_form'),
'name': term.get('label'),
'description': term.get('description', [''])[0] if term.get('description') else '',
'original_input': disease_name
}
return {'efo_id': None, 'name': disease_name, 'description': '', 'original_input': disease_name}
Response: {efo_id: "EFO_0003060", name: "non-small cell lung carcinoma", description: "...", original_input: "..."}
1.2 Gene/Biomarker Resolution
def resolve_gene(tu, gene_symbol): """Resolve gene symbol to cross-database IDs.""" # Normalize common aliases alias_map = { 'HER2': 'ERBB2', 'HER-2': 'ERBB2', 'PD-L1': 'CD274', 'PDL1': 'CD274', 'PD-1': 'PDCD1', 'PD1': 'PDCD1', 'VEGF': 'VEGFA', } normalized = alias_map.get(gene_symbol.upper(), gene_symbol)
# MyGene resolution
result = tu.tools.MyGene_query_genes(query=normalized, species='human')
hits = result.get('hits', [])
gene_hit = None
for hit in hits:
if hit.get('symbol', '').upper() == normalized.upper():
gene_hit = hit
break
if not gene_hit and hits:
gene_hit = hits[0]
if gene_hit:
ensembl = gene_hit.get('ensembl', {})
ensembl_id = ensembl.get('gene') if isinstance(ensembl, dict) else (ensembl[0].get('gene') if isinstance(ensembl, list) and ensembl else None)
return {
'symbol': gene_hit.get('symbol'),
'entrez_id': gene_hit.get('entrezgene'),
'ensembl_id': ensembl_id,
'name': gene_hit.get('name'),
'original_input': gene_symbol
}
return {'symbol': gene_symbol, 'entrez_id': None, 'ensembl_id': None, 'name': None, 'original_input': gene_symbol}
1.3 Biomarker Actionability Classification
Classify each biomarker using FDA pharmacogenomic biomarkers list:
def classify_biomarker_actionability(tu, gene_symbol, alteration): """Classify biomarker as FDA-approved, guideline, or investigational.""" # Check FDA pharmacogenomic biomarkers fda_result = tu.tools.fda_pharmacogenomic_biomarkers() fda_biomarkers = fda_result.get('results', [])
fda_match = [b for b in fda_biomarkers if gene_symbol.upper() in str(b.get('Biomarker', '')).upper()]
if fda_match:
return {
'level': 'FDA-approved',
'drugs': [b.get('Drug') for b in fda_match],
'labeling_sections': [b.get('LabelingSection') for b in fda_match]
}
# Check OpenTargets for drugs targeting this gene
# (done in Phase 5)
return {'level': 'investigational', 'drugs': [], 'labeling_sections': []}
1.4 Parse Molecular Alterations
def parse_biomarker(biomarker_text): """Parse free-text biomarker into structured components.""" import re
# Pattern: "GENE VARIANT" (e.g., "EGFR L858R")
mutation_match = re.match(r'(\w+)\s+([A-Z]\d+[A-Z])', biomarker_text, re.IGNORECASE)
if mutation_match:
return {'gene': mutation_match.group(1), 'alteration': mutation_match.group(2), 'type': 'mutation'}
# Pattern: "GENE exon N deletion/insertion"
exon_match = re.match(r'(\w+)\s+exon\s+(\d+)\s+(\w+)', biomarker_text, re.IGNORECASE)
if exon_match:
return {'gene': exon_match.group(1), 'alteration': f'exon {exon_match.group(2)} {exon_match.group(3)}', 'type': 'exon_alteration'}
# Pattern: "GENE1-GENE2 fusion" or "GENE1/GENE2"
fusion_match = re.match(r'(\w+)[-/](\w+)\s*(fusion)?', biomarker_text, re.IGNORECASE)
if fusion_match:
return {'gene': fusion_match.group(2), 'alteration': f'{fusion_match.group(1)}-{fusion_match.group(2)}', 'type': 'fusion', 'partner': fusion_match.group(1)}
# Pattern: "GENE amplification"
amp_match = re.match(r'(\w+)\s+amplification', biomarker_text, re.IGNORECASE)
if amp_match:
return {'gene': amp_match.group(1), 'alteration': 'amplification', 'type': 'amplification'}
# Pattern: "PD-L1 XX%"
expression_match = re.match(r'([\w-]+)\s+(\d+%|high|low|positive|negative)', biomarker_text, re.IGNORECASE)
if expression_match:
return {'gene': expression_match.group(1), 'alteration': expression_match.group(2), 'type': 'expression'}
# Pattern: "MSI-high", "TMB-high"
status_match = re.match(r'(MSI|TMB|dMMR|MMR)[-\s]*(high|low|stable|deficient|proficient)', biomarker_text, re.IGNORECASE)
if status_match:
return {'gene': status_match.group(1), 'alteration': status_match.group(2), 'type': 'status'}
# Fallback: treat as gene name
return {'gene': biomarker_text.split()[0], 'alteration': ' '.join(biomarker_text.split()[1:]), 'type': 'unknown'}
Phase 2: Broad Trial Discovery
Goal: Cast a wide net to find all potentially relevant clinical trials.
2.1 Disease-Based Trial Search
def search_trials_by_disease(tu, disease_name, status_filter=None, phase_filter=None, page_size=20): """Search ClinicalTrials.gov by disease/condition.""" query_parts = [] if status_filter: query_parts.append(f'AREA[OverallStatus]{status_filter}') if phase_filter: query_parts.append(phase_filter)
query_term = ' AND '.join(query_parts) if query_parts else disease_name
result = tu.tools.search_clinical_trials(
condition=disease_name,
query_term=query_term if query_parts else disease_name,
pageSize=page_size
)
# Response: {studies: [{NCT ID, brief_title, brief_summary, overall_status, condition, phase}], nextPageToken, total_count}
if isinstance(result, str):
return [] # No studies found
return result.get('studies', [])
2.2 Biomarker-Specific Trial Search
def search_trials_by_biomarker(tu, gene_symbol, alteration, disease_name=None, page_size=15): """Search trials mentioning specific biomarkers.""" # Search 1: Gene + alteration biomarker_query = f'{gene_symbol} {alteration}' if alteration else gene_symbol
result = tu.tools.search_clinical_trials(
condition=disease_name if disease_name else '',
query_term=biomarker_query,
pageSize=page_size
)
if isinstance(result, str):
return []
return result.get('studies', [])
2.3 Intervention-Based Trial Search
def search_trials_by_intervention(tu, drug_name, disease_name=None, page_size=10): """Search trials by intervention/drug name.""" result = tu.tools.search_clinical_trials( condition=disease_name if disease_name else '', intervention=drug_name, query_term=drug_name, pageSize=page_size )
if isinstance(result, str):
return []
return result.get('studies', [])
2.4 Alternative Search (clinical_trials_search)
Use as a complement to the main search:
def search_trials_alternative(tu, condition, intervention=None, limit=10): """Alternative trial search with different API endpoint.""" params = { 'action': 'search_studies', 'condition': condition, 'limit': limit } if intervention: params['intervention'] = intervention
result = tu.tools.clinical_trials_search(**params)
return result.get('studies', [])
2.5 Deduplication
def deduplicate_trials(trial_lists): """Merge and deduplicate trials from multiple searches.""" seen_ncts = set() unique_trials = []
for trials in trial_lists:
for trial in trials:
nct = trial.get('NCT ID') or trial.get('nctId', '')
if nct and nct not in seen_ncts:
seen_ncts.add(nct)
unique_trials.append(trial)
return unique_trials
Phase 3: Trial Characterization
Goal: Get detailed information for the top candidate trials.
3.1 Get Eligibility Criteria (Batch)
def get_trial_eligibility(tu, nct_ids): """Get eligibility criteria for multiple trials.""" # Process in batches of 10 all_criteria = [] for i in range(0, len(nct_ids), 10): batch = nct_ids[i:i+10] result = tu.tools.get_clinical_trial_eligibility_criteria( nct_ids=batch, eligibility_criteria='all' ) if isinstance(result, list): all_criteria.extend(result)
return all_criteria
# Returns: [{NCT ID, eligibility_criteria: "Inclusion Criteria:\n...\nExclusion Criteria:\n..."}]
3.2 Get Conditions and Interventions (Batch)
def get_trial_interventions(tu, nct_ids): """Get conditions, arm groups, and interventions for multiple trials.""" all_interventions = [] for i in range(0, len(nct_ids), 10): batch = nct_ids[i:i+10] result = tu.tools.get_clinical_trial_conditions_and_interventions( nct_ids=batch, condition_and_intervention='all' ) if isinstance(result, list): all_interventions.extend(result)
return all_interventions
# Returns: [{NCT ID, condition, arm_groups: [{label, type, description, interventionNames}], interventions: [{type, name, description}]}]
3.3 Get Locations (Batch)
def get_trial_locations(tu, nct_ids): """Get trial site locations.""" all_locations = [] for i in range(0, len(nct_ids), 10): batch = nct_ids[i:i+10] result = tu.tools.get_clinical_trial_locations( nct_ids=batch, location='all' ) if isinstance(result, list): all_locations.extend(result)
return all_locations
# Returns: [{NCT ID, locations: [{facility, city, state, country}]}]
3.4 Get Status and Dates (Batch)
def get_trial_status(tu, nct_ids): """Get enrollment status and key dates.""" all_status = [] for i in range(0, len(nct_ids), 10): batch = nct_ids[i:i+10] result = tu.tools.get_clinical_trial_status_and_dates( nct_ids=batch, status_and_date='all' ) if isinstance(result, list): all_status.extend(result)
return all_status
# Returns: [{NCT ID, overall_status, start_date, primary_completion_date, completion_date}]
3.5 Get Full Descriptions (Batch)
def get_trial_descriptions(tu, nct_ids): """Get detailed trial descriptions.""" all_descriptions = [] for i in range(0, len(nct_ids), 10): batch = nct_ids[i:i+10] result = tu.tools.get_clinical_trial_descriptions( nct_ids=batch, description_type='full' ) if isinstance(result, list): all_descriptions.extend(result)
return all_descriptions
# Returns: [{NCT ID, brief_title, official_title, brief_summary, detailed_description}]
Phase 4: Molecular Eligibility Matching
Goal: Determine how well the patient's molecular profile matches each trial's requirements.
4.1 Parse Eligibility Text for Biomarker Requirements
def extract_biomarker_requirements(eligibility_text): """Extract biomarker requirements from eligibility criteria text.""" import re
requirements = {
'required_biomarkers': [],
'excluded_biomarkers': [],
'biomarker_agnostic': False
}
if not eligibility_text:
return requirements
text_upper = eligibility_text.upper()
# Common biomarker patterns in eligibility text
# Required biomarkers (in inclusion criteria)
inclusion_section = eligibility_text.split('Exclusion Criteria')[0] if 'Exclusion Criteria' in eligibility_text else eligibility_text
exclusion_section = eligibility_text.split('Exclusion Criteria')[1] if 'Exclusion Criteria' in eligibility_text else ''
# Look for gene mutation requirements
gene_patterns = [
r'(?:EGFR|KRAS|BRAF|ALK|ROS1|RET|MET|NTRK|HER2|ERBB2|PIK3CA|BRCA|PD-?L1|MSI|TMB|dMMR)',
]
for pattern in gene_patterns:
# In inclusion section
for match in re.finditer(pattern, inclusion_section, re.IGNORECASE):
gene = match.group(0).upper()
context = inclusion_section[max(0, match.start()-100):match.end()+100]
requirements['required_biomarkers'].append({
'gene': gene,
'context': context.strip()
})
# In exclusion section
for match in re.finditer(pattern, exclusion_section, re.IGNORECASE):
gene = match.group(0).upper()
context = exclusion_section[max(0, match.start()-100):match.end()+100]
requirements['excluded_biomarkers'].append({
'gene': gene,
'context': context.strip()
})
# Check for biomarker-agnostic / basket trial language
basket_terms = ['tumor-agnostic', 'histology-independent', 'basket', 'any solid tumor', 'all comers', 'biomarker-selected']
if any(term in text_upper.lower() for term in basket_terms):
requirements['biomarker_agnostic'] = True
return requirements
4.2 Score Molecular Match
def score_molecular_match(patient_biomarkers, trial_requirements): """Score molecular match between patient and trial (0-40 points).""" if not trial_requirements['required_biomarkers'] and not trial_requirements['excluded_biomarkers']: # No molecular criteria - could be open to any return 10, 'No specific molecular criteria (general trial)'
patient_genes = {b['gene'].upper() for b in patient_biomarkers}
required_genes = {b['gene'].upper() for b in trial_requirements['required_biomarkers']}
excluded_genes = {b['gene'].upper() for b in trial_requirements['excluded_biomarkers']}
# Check exclusions first
excluded_match = patient_genes & excluded_genes
if excluded_match:
return 0, f'Patient biomarker(s) {excluded_match} are in exclusion criteria'
if not required_genes:
return 10, 'No specific biomarker requirements found'
# Check for exact gene match
matched_genes = patient_genes & required_genes
if matched_genes:
# Check for specific variant match
# Look for specific mutation mentions in context
exact_variant_match = False
for req in trial_requirements['required_biomarkers']:
for pb in patient_biomarkers:
if pb['gene'].upper() == req['gene'].upper():
alt = pb.get('alteration', '').upper()
if alt and alt in req.get('context', '').upper():
exact_variant_match = True
break
if exact_variant_match:
return 40, f'Exact biomarker match: {matched_genes} with specific variant'
else:
return 30, f'Gene-level match: {matched_genes} (specific variant match unclear)'
# Check for pathway-level match (e.g., trial targets EGFR pathway, patient has EGFR mutation)
# This requires domain knowledge mapping
return 5, 'No direct biomarker match found'
Phase 5: Drug-Biomarker Alignment
Goal: Verify that trial drugs actually target the patient's biomarkers.
5.1 Identify Trial Drugs and Mechanisms
def get_drug_mechanism_info(tu, drug_name): """Get drug mechanism, targets, and approval status.""" # Step 1: Resolve drug in OpenTargets result = tu.tools.OpenTargets_get_drug_id_description_by_name(drugName=drug_name) hits = result.get('data', {}).get('search', {}).get('hits', [])
if not hits:
return {'drug_name': drug_name, 'chembl_id': None, 'mechanisms': [], 'is_approved': False}
drug_info = hits[0]
chembl_id = drug_info.get('id')
# Step 2: Get mechanisms of action
moa_result = tu.tools.OpenTargets_get_drug_mechanisms_of_action_by_chemblId(chemblId=chembl_id)
moa_rows = moa_result.get('data', {}).get('drug', {}).get('mechanismsOfAction', {}).get('rows', [])
mechanisms = []
for row in moa_rows:
targets = row.get('targets', [])
mechanisms.append({
'mechanism': row.get('mechanismOfAction'),
'action_type': row.get('actionType'),
'target_name': row.get('targetName'),
'target_genes': [t.get('approvedSymbol') for t in targets]
})
# Step 3: Check approval
approval_result = tu.tools.OpenTargets_get_drug_approval_status_by_chemblId(chemblId=chembl_id)
return {
'drug_name': drug_name,
'chembl_id': chembl_id,
'description': drug_info.get('description'),
'mechanisms': mechanisms,
'is_approved': 'approved' in drug_info.get('description', '').lower()
}
5.2 Score Drug-Biomarker Alignment
def score_drug_biomarker_alignment(patient_gene_symbols, drug_mechanisms): """Check if trial drug targets patient's biomarkers.""" patient_genes_upper = {g.upper() for g in patient_gene_symbols}
for mech in drug_mechanisms:
target_genes = {g.upper() for g in mech.get('target_genes', [])}
if patient_genes_upper & target_genes:
return True, f"Drug targets {patient_genes_upper & target_genes} via {mech.get('mechanism')}"
return False, "No direct target overlap with patient biomarkers"
Phase 6: Evidence Assessment
Goal: Assess evidence strength for drug efficacy in similar patient populations.
6.1 FDA Approval Evidence
def check_fda_approval(tu, drug_name, disease_name): """Check FDA approval status and labeled indications.""" result = tu.tools.FDA_get_indications_by_drug_name(drug_name=drug_name, limit=3)
indications = result.get('results', [])
for ind in indications:
ind_text = str(ind.get('indications_and_usage', ''))
# Check if disease is mentioned in indications
if any(term.lower() in ind_text.lower() for term in disease_name.split()):
return {
'approved': True,
'indication_text': ind_text[:500],
'brand_name': ind.get('openfda.brand_name', []),
'evidence_tier': 'T1'
}
return {'approved': False, 'indication_text': '', 'brand_name': [], 'evidence_tier': 'T3'}
6.2 Literature Evidence
def get_literature_evidence(tu, gene, alteration, drug_name, disease_name): """Search PubMed for evidence of drug efficacy for this biomarker.""" query = f'{gene} {alteration} {drug_name} {disease_name} clinical trial' result = tu.tools.PubMed_search_articles(query=query, max_results=5)
articles = result if isinstance(result, list) else result.get('articles', [])
return articles
6.3 CIViC Evidence (if available)
def get_civic_evidence(tu, gene_symbol, civic_gene_id): """Get CIViC clinical evidence for gene variants.""" if not civic_gene_id: return []
result = tu.tools.civic_get_variants_by_gene(gene_id=civic_gene_id, limit=100)
variants = result.get('data', {}).get('gene', {}).get('variants', {}).get('nodes', [])
return variants
6.4 Evidence Tier Classification
Tier Symbol Criteria Score Impact
T1 [T1] FDA-approved biomarker-drug, NCCN guideline 20 points
T2 [T2] Phase III positive, clinical evidence 15 points
T3 [T3] Phase I/II results, preclinical 10 points
T4 [T4] Computational, mechanism inference 5 points
Phase 7: Geographic & Feasibility Analysis
Goal: Assess practical feasibility of trial enrollment.
7.1 Location Analysis
def analyze_trial_locations(locations_data, patient_location=None): """Analyze trial site locations and proximity.""" if not locations_data: return {'total_sites': 0, 'countries': [], 'us_states': [], 'nearest': None}
locations = locations_data.get('locations', [])
countries = list(set(loc.get('country', '') for loc in locations if loc.get('country')))
us_states = list(set(loc.get('state', '') for loc in locations if loc.get('country') == 'United States' and loc.get('state')))
return {
'total_sites': len(locations),
'countries': countries,
'us_states': us_states,
'has_us_sites': 'United States' in countries,
'locations': locations[:10] # First 10 for display
}
7.2 Geographic Scoring
Criterion Points
Trial sites in patient's state/city 5
Trial sites within 100 miles 3
Trial sites in same country 1
No location info or far away 0
Phase 8: Alternative Options
Goal: Identify basket trials, expanded access, and related studies.
8.1 Basket Trial Search
IMPORTANT: ClinicalTrials.gov search is sensitive to query complexity. Overly specific queries like "NTRK fusion tumor agnostic" may return zero results. Use simpler queries and combine results.
def search_basket_trials(tu, biomarker, page_size=10): """Search for basket/biomarker-driven trials.
NOTE: Use simpler queries first (e.g., 'NTRK solid tumor'),
then more specific ones. Complex multi-word queries often fail.
"""
# Start with simpler queries (more likely to return results)
query_terms = [
f'{biomarker} solid tumor',
f'{biomarker}',
f'{biomarker} basket',
]
all_trials = []
for query in query_terms:
result = tu.tools.search_clinical_trials(
query_term=query,
pageSize=page_size
)
if not isinstance(result, str):
all_trials.extend(result.get('studies', []))
return deduplicate_trials([all_trials])
8.2 Expanded Access Search
def search_expanded_access(tu, drug_name): """Search for expanded access / compassionate use programs.""" result = tu.tools.search_clinical_trials( query_term=f'{drug_name} expanded access', pageSize=5 )
if isinstance(result, str):
return []
return result.get('studies', [])
Phase 9: Trial Match Scoring System
Score Components (Total: 0-100)
Molecular Match (0-40 points):
Criterion Points Description
Exact biomarker match 40 Trial requires patient's specific variant
Gene-level match 30 Trial requires gene mutation, patient has specific variant
Pathway match 20 Trial targets same pathway as patient's biomarker
No molecular criteria 10 General disease trial
Excluded biomarker 0 Patient's biomarker is in exclusion criteria
Clinical Eligibility (0-25 points):
Criterion Points Description
All criteria met 25 Disease, stage, prior treatment all match
Most criteria met 18 1-2 criteria unclear
Some criteria met 10 Several criteria unclear
Clearly ineligible 0 Fails major criterion
Evidence Strength (0-20 points):
Criterion Points Description
FDA-approved combination 20 T1 evidence
Phase III positive 15 T2 evidence
Phase II promising 10 T3 evidence
Phase I or no results 5 T4 evidence
Trial Phase (0-10 points):
Phase Points
Phase III 10
Phase II 8
Phase I/II 6
Phase I 4
Geographic Feasibility (0-5 points):
Criterion Points
Patient's city/state 5
Same country 3
International only 1
Unknown 0
Recommendation Tiers
Score Tier Label Action
80-100 Tier 1 Optimal Match Strongly recommend - contact site immediately
60-79 Tier 2 Good Match Recommend - discuss with care team
40-59 Tier 3 Possible Match Consider - needs further eligibility review
0-39 Tier 4 Exploratory Backup option - consider if Tier 1-3 unavailable
Phase 10: Report Synthesis
Report Template
The final report should follow this structure:
Clinical Trial Matching Report
Patient: [Disease type] with [biomarker(s)] Date: [Current date] Trials Analyzed: [N total] | Top Matches: [N with score >= 60]
Executive Summary
Top 3 Trial Recommendations:
-
[NCT ID] - [Brief title] (Score: XX/100, Tier N)
- Phase: [Phase], Status: [Status]
- Why: [Key reason for match]
-
[NCT ID] - [Brief title] (Score: XX/100, Tier N) ...
-
[NCT ID] - [Brief title] (Score: XX/100, Tier N) ...
Patient Profile Summary
| Parameter | Value | Standardized |
|---|---|---|
| Disease | [input] | [EFO name] (EFO_XXXX) |
| Biomarker(s) | [input] | [gene: variant, type] |
| Stage | [input] | [standardized] |
| Prior Treatment | [input] | [standardized] |
| Performance Status | [input] | [ECOG score] |
| Location | [input] | [city, state] |
Biomarker Actionability
| Biomarker | Actionability Level | FDA-Approved Drugs | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| [gene variant] | [FDA-approved/investigational] | [drugs] | [T1/T2/T3/T4] |
Ranked Trial Matches
Trial 1: [NCT ID] - [Title]
Trial Match Score: XX/100 (Tier N: [Label])
| Component | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Match | XX/40 | [explanation] |
| Clinical Eligibility | XX/25 | [explanation] |
| Evidence Strength | XX/20 | [explanation] |
| Trial Phase | XX/10 | [phase] |
| Geographic | XX/5 | [location info] |
Trial Details:
- Phase: [Phase]
- Status: [Recruiting/Active/etc.]
- Sponsor: [Sponsor]
- Start Date: [Date]
- Estimated Completion: [Date]
Interventions:
- [Drug name]: [Mechanism] | [Dosing info if available]
Molecular Eligibility Match:
- Required biomarkers: [list]
- Patient match: [Exact/Gene-level/Pathway/None]
- Notes: [details]
Clinical Eligibility Assessment:
- Disease type: [Match/Mismatch]
- Stage: [Match/Mismatch/Unclear]
- Prior treatment: [Match/Mismatch/Unclear]
- Performance status: [Match/Mismatch/Unclear]
Evidence for Efficacy:
- FDA approval: [Yes/No for this indication]
- Clinical results: [Phase III/II/I data if available]
- Mechanism alignment: [Drug targets patient's biomarker: Yes/No]
- Literature: [Key references]
Trial Sites (first 5):
- [City, State, Country]
- ...
Next Steps: [Contact info, enrollment instructions]
[Repeat for each matched trial]
Trials by Category
Targeted Therapy Trials
[List trials with targeted agents matching patient's biomarkers]
Immunotherapy Trials
[List immunotherapy trials, noting PD-L1/TMB/MSI requirements]
Combination Therapy Trials
[List trials with drug combinations]
Basket/Platform Trials
[List biomarker-agnostic or multi-arm trials]
Additional Testing Recommendations
If the patient has not been tested for certain biomarkers, these trials would become relevant:
| Biomarker | Test Needed | Trials Unlocked | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| [e.g., TMB] | [NGS panel] | [NCT IDs] | [High/Medium/Low] |
Alternative Options
Expanded Access Programs
[List any expanded access or compassionate use programs]
Off-Label Options
[FDA-approved drugs for other indications with same biomarker]
Evidence Grading Summary
| Evidence Tier | Count | Description |
|---|---|---|
| T1 (FDA/Guideline) | N | FDA-approved biomarker-drug, clinical guideline |
| T2 (Clinical) | N | Phase III data, robust clinical evidence |
| T3 (Emerging) | N | Phase I/II, preclinical evidence |
| T4 (Exploratory) | N | Computational, mechanism inference |
Completeness Checklist
| Analysis Step | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Disease standardization | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [OpenTargets/OLS] |
| Gene resolution | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [MyGene] |
| Biomarker actionability | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [FDA biomarkers] |
| Disease trial search | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [ClinicalTrials.gov] |
| Biomarker trial search | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [ClinicalTrials.gov] |
| Intervention trial search | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [ClinicalTrials.gov] |
| Eligibility parsing | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [ClinicalTrials.gov] |
| Drug mechanism analysis | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [OpenTargets/ChEMBL] |
| Evidence assessment | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [FDA/PubMed/CIViC] |
| Location analysis | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [ClinicalTrials.gov] |
| Basket trial search | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [ClinicalTrials.gov] |
| Expanded access search | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [ClinicalTrials.gov] |
| Scoring & ranking | [Done/Partial/Failed] | [Composite] |
Disclaimer
This report is for informational and research purposes only. Clinical trial eligibility is ultimately determined by the trial investigators based on complete medical records. Patients should discuss all options with their healthcare team. Trial availability and status may change; verify current status at ClinicalTrials.gov.
Sources
All data sourced from:
- ClinicalTrials.gov (trial search, eligibility, locations, status)
- OpenTargets Platform (drug-target associations, disease ontology)
- CIViC (clinical variant interpretations)
- ChEMBL (drug mechanisms, targets)
- FDA (approved indications, pharmacogenomic biomarkers, drug labels)
- DrugBank (drug targets, indications)
- PharmGKB (pharmacogenomics)
- PubMed/NCBI (literature evidence)
- OLS/EFO (disease ontology)
- MyGene (gene identifier resolution)
Execution Strategy
Parallelization Opportunities
Many tool calls can be executed in parallel to speed up the workflow:
Parallel Group 1 (Phase 1 - can all run simultaneously):
-
MyGene_query_genes for each gene
-
OpenTargets_get_disease_id_description_by_name for disease
-
ols_search_efo_terms for disease
-
fda_pharmacogenomic_biomarkers (no params)
Parallel Group 2 (Phase 2 - can all run simultaneously):
-
search_clinical_trials with disease condition
-
search_clinical_trials with biomarker query
-
search_clinical_trials with intervention query
-
clinical_trials_search as alternative
Parallel Group 3 (Phase 3 - can all run simultaneously):
-
get_clinical_trial_eligibility_criteria for all NCT IDs
-
get_clinical_trial_conditions_and_interventions for all NCT IDs
-
get_clinical_trial_locations for all NCT IDs
-
get_clinical_trial_status_and_dates for all NCT IDs
-
get_clinical_trial_descriptions for all NCT IDs
Parallel Group 4 (Phases 5-6 - for each drug):
-
OpenTargets_get_drug_id_description_by_name for drug
-
OpenTargets_get_drug_mechanisms_of_action_by_chemblId for drug
-
FDA_get_indications_by_drug_name for drug
-
PubMed_search_articles for evidence
Error Handling
For each tool call:
-
Wrap in try/except
-
Check for empty results
-
Use fallback tools when primary fails
-
Document what failed in completeness checklist
-
Never let one failure block the entire analysis
Performance Optimization
-
Batch NCT IDs in groups of 10 for detail tools
-
Limit initial search to 20-30 trials per search strategy
-
Focus detailed analysis on top 15-20 candidates after initial filtering
-
Cache gene/disease resolution results for reuse across phases
Common Use Patterns
Pattern 1: Targeted Therapy Matching (Most Common)
Input: "NSCLC patient with EGFR L858R, failed platinum chemotherapy"
-
Resolve: NSCLC -> EFO_0003060, EGFR -> ENSG00000146648
-
Search: "non-small cell lung cancer" + "EGFR mutation" + "EGFR L858R"
-
Filter: Recruiting trials with EGFR molecular requirements
-
Match: Score trials by EGFR L858R specificity
-
Drugs: Identify TKIs (osimertinib, erlotinib, etc.) in trial arms
-
Evidence: Check FDA approval of EGFR TKIs for NSCLC
-
Report: Prioritize targeted therapy trials, include immunotherapy options
Pattern 2: Immunotherapy Selection
Input: "Melanoma, TMB-high, PD-L1 positive, failed ipilimumab"
-
Resolve: Melanoma -> EFO_0000756
-
Search: "melanoma" + "TMB" + "PD-L1" + "immunotherapy"
-
Filter: Trials requiring PD-L1 or TMB testing
-
Match: Score by TMB/PD-L1 requirements
-
Drugs: Identify checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, nivolumab)
-
Evidence: Check FDA approval for TMB-high indications
-
Report: Focus on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 trials, combination immunotherapy
Pattern 3: Basket Trial Identification
Input: "Any solid tumor with NTRK fusion"
-
Resolve: NTRK genes (NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3)
-
Search: "NTRK fusion" + "tumor agnostic" + "basket"
-
Filter: Biomarker-agnostic trials
-
Match: Score by NTRK-specific inclusion criteria
-
Drugs: Identify larotrectinib, entrectinib
-
Evidence: FDA tissue-agnostic approval for larotrectinib
-
Report: Highlight tumor-agnostic approval, broad eligibility
Pattern 4: Post-Progression Options
Input: "Breast cancer, failed CDK4/6 inhibitors, ESR1 mutation"
-
Resolve: Breast cancer -> EFO_0000305, ESR1 -> ENSG00000091831
-
Search: "breast cancer" + "ESR1" + "CDK4/6 resistance"
-
Filter: Trials for post-CDK4/6 setting
-
Match: Score by ESR1 mutation and prior treatment requirements
-
Drugs: Identify novel endocrine agents, SERDs, ESR1-targeting drugs
-
Evidence: Check clinical data for post-CDK4/6 options
-
Report: Focus on resistance-overcoming strategies
Pattern 5: Geographic Search
Input: "Lung cancer trials within 100 miles of Boston"
-
Search: "lung cancer" (broad)
-
Get locations for all candidate trials
-
Filter: Sites in Massachusetts and nearby states
-
Score: High geographic feasibility for Boston-area sites
-
Report: Prioritize by proximity, include contact info
Edge Case Handling
No Matching Trials Found
If no trials match the patient's biomarker:
-
Broaden search to gene-level (remove specific variant)
-
Search for pathway-level trials
-
Search basket trials
-
Suggest additional biomarker testing
-
Report alternative options (off-label, compassionate use)
Rare Biomarkers
For uncommon mutations (e.g., unusual EGFR variants):
-
Search gene-level trials (any EGFR mutation)
-
Search mechanism-level trials (TKI trials)
-
Check CIViC for any evidence on this specific variant
-
Note variant rarity in report
-
Suggest discussion with molecular tumor board
Multiple Biomarkers
For complex molecular profiles:
-
Search for each biomarker independently
-
Search for combination biomarker trials
-
Identify trials that require multiple biomarkers
-
Score based on most actionable biomarker
-
Flag potential synergistic drug targets
Conflicting Eligibility
When patient meets some criteria but not others:
-
Score partial match transparently
-
Highlight which criteria are met/unmet
-
Note if unmet criteria are waivable
-
Suggest contacting PI for edge cases
-
Provide alternative trials without conflicting criteria
Known CIViC Gene IDs
For direct CIViC lookups without search:
Gene CIViC ID Gene CIViC ID
ALK 1 MET 52
ABL1 4 PIK3CA 37
BRAF 5 ROS1 118
EGFR 19 RET 122
ERBB2 20 NTRK1 197
KRAS 30 NTRK2 560
TP53 45 NTRK3 561
Report File Naming Convention
Save reports as:
clinical_trial_matching_[DISEASE][BIOMARKER][DATE].md
Example: clinical_trial_matching_NSCLC_EGFR_L858R_2026-02-15.md