A diagnostic tool using gut microbiome for colorectal cancer screening
Official title: A Gut Microbiome-based Diagnostic Tool for the Screening of Colorectal Cancer
Run by Catholic University of the Sacred Heart · NCT06738173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to screen for colorectal cancer using gut bacteria samples from people aged 50-74 who have already had a positive result on a stool test.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 74 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1202 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rome, RM) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 7, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | August 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06738173 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 50-74 who are part of the national CRC screening program and have a positive FIT result.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are unfit for colonoscopy or have other oncological conditions or severe gastrointestinal diseases may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to develop a gut microbiome-based diagnostic tool to identify colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced colorectal adenomas. It focuses on patients aged 50-74 who are participating in the national CRC screening program and have tested positive for fecal immunochemical testing (FIT). The study will analyze alterations in the gut microbiome and specific microbial signatures that may indicate the presence of CRC. By identifying non-invasive biomarkers, the study seeks to improve the diagnostic yield and reduce unnecessary colonoscopies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this tool could enhance early detection of colorectal cancer, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced mortality.
How similar studies have gone: While microbiome-based biomarkers for CRC screening are being explored, this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical practice.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients participating in the national CRC screening program (50-74 years old) * Positivity to the FIT; * Ability to provide written informed consent and to be compliant with the study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients unfit for colonoscopy; * Other oncological conditions; * Concomitant severe comorbidities or gastrointestinal (GI) organic diseases (e.g. diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease); * Antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors or probiotics within 4 weeks prior to enrollment.
Where it's running
-
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
Rome, Rm, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Gianluca Ianiro, MD, PhD
- Email: gianluca.ianiro@unicatt.it
- Phone: 0630159539
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.