Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 50 to 74

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 typeObservational
Ages50 Years to 74 Years
SexAll
Enrollment1202 (estimated)
SponsorCatholic University of the Sacred Heart
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rome, RM)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 7, 2025
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2029
Study endsSeptember 30, 2029
Registry record updatedAugust 13, 2026
Trial IDNCT06738173 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.