RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

ColoCare Study - Colorectal Cancer Cohort

The ColoCare study is an international research project focused on bowel cancer (colorectal cancer). It aims to understand how different people with bowel cancer respond to their illness and treatments. Researchers collect blood and tissue samples, as well as information about how patients are feeling and their daily lives, over several years. This helps them learn what helps people recover, what might lead to the cancer returning, and how treatments affect their quality of life. By gathering information from many patients at various hospitals, the study hopes to find better ways to predict outcomes and improve care for everyone with bowel cancer. It's a key step in understanding this complex disease better.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Utah

Enrolment target

5,000

Start

01 Mar 2007

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2030

Colorectal Cancer

What is this study about?

The ColoCare Study is a big research project looking into bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer. Researchers from different hospitals around the world are working together to understand this condition better. They want to learn why some people do better than others, what causes the cancer to come back, and how treatments affect patients' lives and overall well-being. Think of it like collecting pieces of a puzzle from many different patients to see the bigger picture of how bowel cancer behaves and how best to care for people who have it.

To do this, the study follows people who have recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer over several years. They collect important information and samples, like blood or tissue, at different times. This allows them to see how things change over time and what factors might influence a person's journey with cancer. They also ask about how people are feeling and their quality of life, which is a really important part of understanding the full impact of the disease and its treatments.

By gathering all this information, especially from people who often aren't included enough in studies – like younger patients, or those from specific ethnic backgrounds – they hope to make discoveries that will help doctors give more personalised and effective care to everyone with bowel cancer in the future. It's about finding ways to improve life for cancer patients and helping them live healthier, happier lives.

Key takeaways

It's an international study looking at bowel cancer (colon and rectal cancer).
It aims to understand long-term outcomes and improve future patient care.
Participation involves sharing medical information and samples over up to 5 years.
It does not involve new treatments; your standard care continues.
You can withdraw at any point without impacting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To join the ColoCare study, you would typically need to be an adult, generally between 18 and 89 years old at the time of your bowel cancer diagnosis. If you were considering joining after September 2021, the age range might be narrower, usually 18-69, unless you're part of a specific side-study or one for older patients.

You also need to have recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer (this includes colon or rectal cancer) and be at any stage of the disease, from stage 1 to stage 4. It's important that you can speak either English or German, depending on which hospital is involved, and that you are mentally and physically able to understand what the study involves and give your permission to take part.

If you don't meet these basic requirements – for example, if you're too young or too old for the general age range, or if there are difficulties with language or understanding the study – then you wouldn't be able to join. The research team needs to make sure everyone who participates understands what they are agreeing to.

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 between 18 and 89 years old (or 18-69 if diagnosed after Sept 2021)?
Have you recently been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer (any stage)?
Can you speak English (or German, depending on the hospital)?
Are you able to understand the study and give your consent to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the ColoCare study, you'll be followed closely for up to five years. The first information will be collected when you're first diagnosed with bowel cancer. After that, you'll have check-ins at specific times: after 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and then annually for up to 5 years (24, 36, 48, and 60 months).

During these visits, the research team will collect various samples, and you'll typically be asked to fill out questionnaires, especially at the beginning, after 12 months, and again at 60 months. They will also look at your medical records, particularly at 24 and 60 months, to gather important details about your health and treatment. This ongoing collection of information and samples helps researchers understand your journey with cancer over time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in research studies is a personal choice. Potential benefits could include having your health closely monitored and contributing to a larger understanding of bowel cancer, which may help future patients. There are no direct medical recommendations made as part of this study, and it won't change your standard medical care. Potential risks are usually minimal, often involving the time commitment for appointments and interviews, and perhaps slight discomfort from giving blood or tissue samples. All information collected is kept confidential to protect your privacy. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (7)

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Verified postcode
Los Angeles, United States· Recruiting
Lee H. Moffitt Cancer Center
Verified postcode
Tampa, United States· Recruiting
Washington University School of Medicine
Verified postcode
St Louis, United States· Recruiting
University of Tennessee
Verified postcode
Knoxville, United States· Recruiting
Huntsman Cancer Institute
Verified postcode
Salt Lake City, United States· Recruiting
FHCRC
Verified postcode
Seattle, United States· Recruiting
University Hospital Heidelberg
Verified postcode
Heidelberg, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of cancer is this study about?

This study is focused on bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, which includes cancer of the colon and rectum.

How long would I be involved for?

You would be followed for up to 5 years from the time of your diagnosis, with several check-ins during that period.

What happens at the check-ins?

You'll likely provide samples (like blood), answer questionnaires about your health, and researchers will review your medical records.

Will this study change my cancer treatment?

No, participating in this study will not change your standard medical care or treatment plan for your cancer.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time without having to give a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Cornelia Ulrich, MS, PhD

neli.ulrich@hci.utah.edu (801) 213-5716 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.