China Colorectal Cancer Screening 1 (C-Cost1)

China Colorectal Cancer Screening Trial 1 (C-Cost1): Colonoscopy Versus FIT Versus FIT Plus Blood Test in the Average Risk Population

Not applicable Interventional Zhejiang University · NCT07090291

This project will test whether one-time colonoscopy, annual FIT, or annual FIT plus a blood cfDNA methylation test best detects colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas in average-risk adults aged 45–74 in China.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60300 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 74 Years
SexAll
SponsorZhejiang University Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Guandong and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07090291 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a large cluster-randomized trial in China enrolling at least 60,300 average-risk adults aged 45–74 and randomizing clusters to three screening strategies. One arm receives a one-time colonoscopy at baseline, the second receives annual fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) for four years with colonoscopy if FIT-positive, and the third combines annual FIT with a blood-based cfDNA methylation test. Fecal, blood, and tissue samples will be collected, suspicious lesions resected and pathologically examined, and all participants will be followed annually during a 4-year screening phase and then long-term. The trial aims to compare detection rates of colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas and inform screening approaches for the average-risk population in China.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 45–74 years old in generally good health, without prior colorectal cancer or recent colorectal examinations, who are at average risk and can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: People with a personal history of colorectal cancer or precancerous lesions, recent colonoscopy or stool/DNA/cfDNA testing, current cancer treatment, urgent GI symptoms, or severe comorbidities unlikely to tolerate screening are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could identify a more sensitive and feasible screening approach that detects cancers and precancerous lesions earlier, potentially reducing colorectal cancer deaths and treatment burden.

How similar studies have performed: Colonoscopy and FIT are established screening methods with demonstrated effectiveness, while blood-based cfDNA methylation tests are promising and have shown encouraging but still emerging results in early detection studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age: 45-74 years old;
2. In good general condition, with normal mental state and voluntarily signing the informed consent form;

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Personal history of colorectal cancer or precancerous lesions;
2. History of previous colonrectal resection surgery;
3. Diagnosed with cancer before enrollment or currently receiving any cancer-related treatment;
4. Having received colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography and other examinations within the past 5 years;
5. Having received FIT or FIT-sDNA or cfDNA test within the past 1 year;
6. Symptomatic lower gastrointestinal diseases or symptoms suggesting the need for diagnostic colonoscopy for confirmation;
7. Accompanied by severe diseases that are not suitable for colorectal cancer screening;

Where this trial is running

Guandong and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Colorectal CancerAdvanced AdenomaFITFIT plus blood testcfDNA methylationColorectal cancerAdvanced colorectal adenomaEarly screening
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.