A Clinico-biological Database in Cachexia in Patients With Colon Cancer
Doctors are creating a special collection of health information and biological samples (like blood) from people with colon cancer. This collection will help them learn more about a serious condition called cachexia, which is severe weight loss that often happens with cancer. Cachexia can make treatments less effective and can be very tough on patients. By studying this information, doctors hope to understand better why cachexia happens, identify ways to spot it earlier, and ultimately find better ways to help patients manage it. This research isn't about testing a new drug, but about building a strong foundation of knowledge to improve care for colon cancer patients in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about understanding a serious problem called cachexia, which is severe and unintentional weight loss that often affects people with cancer, especially colon cancer. Imagine losing a lot of weight very quickly, not because you're trying to diet, but because your body isn't processing food properly. This weight loss mainly affects your muscle and fat stores, making you feel very weak.
Cachexia isn't just about looking thinner; it can actually make cancer treatments harder to tolerate and less effective. It's a major health concern, but doctors don't fully understand why it happens or have standard treatments for it yet. This study aims to change that by collecting detailed health information and biological samples (like blood) from people with colon cancer. By gathering this information, researchers hope to get a much clearer picture of cachexia, discover what causes it, and find reliable ways to identify it early.
The ultimate goal of this research is to improve the lives of people with colon cancer. By understanding cachexia better, doctors can develop more effective ways to manage it, potentially making cancer treatments more successful and improving overall well-being and survival rates for patients. It's about building a better future through careful study and information gathering.
Key takeaways
- This study helps doctors learn more about severe weight loss (cachexia) in colon cancer.
- It involves collecting health information and blood samples, not testing new treatments.
- The goal is to find better ways to manage cachexia and improve patient care in the future.
- Your participation helps advance medical science for colon cancer patients.
- You must be 18 or older and receiving colon cancer treatment that doesn't involve surgery.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and receiving treatment for colon cancer at the Montpellier Regional Cancer Institute. Your colon cancer should not be treatable by surgery at this time, whether it's the main tumour or any related growths. You also need to be receiving other types of treatment for your colon cancer, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy, and be happy to provide blood samples and have your health information collected for the study.
There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you need surgery for your colon cancer, or if your cancer is only in the lining of your abdomen, you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you're receiving radiotherapy, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, this study would not be suitable for you. Finally, if you're unable to understand or follow the study instructions due to personal circumstances, or if you're being treated in an emergency, you wouldn't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you aged 18 or over?
- Are you being treated for colon cancer at the Montpellier Regional Cancer Institute?
- Is your colon cancer not currently treatable by surgery?
- Are you happy to have blood samples taken and your health information collected for research?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Are you not receiving radiotherapy for your cancer?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, the main thing you'll be doing is allowing doctors to collect your health information and some biological samples, like blood. This is not about trying new medications or treatments. The study researchers will collect information about your colon cancer, your weight, your body composition (how much muscle and fat you have), and how you are responding to your cancer treatment. You'll also be asked to provide blood samples. This information will be added to a secure database to help further research. The specific number of visits or duration isn't detailed, but it would involve some extra time for discussions and sample collection during your existing treatment schedule.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Institut Régional du cancer de MontpellierVerified postcodeMontpellier, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is cachexia?
Cachexia is severe, unexplained weight loss that often happens in people with cancer, affecting their muscles and fat, and making them weaker.
Is this study testing a new drug?
No, this study is creating a database of information and samples to better understand cachexia, not testing a new drug or treatment.
Will taking part in this study help my cancer treatment directly?
While your participation won't directly change your current treatment, the information gathered will help future patients by improving our understanding of cachexia.
What kind of samples will be collected?
Mostly, blood samples will be collected, alongside your health information related to your colon cancer and general health.
Can I stop participating if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.
How to find out more
Jean-Pierre Bleuse, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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