Collecting blood and stool samples to detect colorectal cancer in Lynch syndrome patients

Detection of Colorectal Cancer or Advanced Neoplasia by Stool DNA in Lynch Syndrome: CORAL Study

Observational Mayo Clinic · NCT05410977

This study is testing a new stool DNA test to see if it can help find colorectal cancer in people with Lynch syndrome by collecting their blood and stool samples.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment750 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations9 sites (Scottsdale, Arizona and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05410977 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multitarget stool DNA test for detecting colorectal neoplasia in patients with Lynch syndrome. Participants will provide blood and stool samples, which will be collected within a specific timeframe around their scheduled colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. The study also seeks to create a biorepository of these samples for future research. Medical records of the participants will be reviewed to gather additional data.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with Lynch syndrome or those with early onset colorectal cancer under the age of 50.

Not a fit: Patients with known cancer stages I-IV or those who have received certain cancer treatments in the past five years may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection of colorectal cancer in patients with Lynch syndrome, potentially saving lives.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using DNA screening techniques for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients at least 18 years of age
* Individuals diagnosed with Lynch syndrome (mutation in MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM) or colorectal cancer (CRC) with suspected Lynch syndrome or individuals diagnosed with early onset CRC (\<55 years old)
* Colonoscopy/flexible sigmoidoscopy (flex sig) scheduled +/- 90 days from sample collection
* Patient has agreed to participate and has signed the study consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient has known cancer (stage I-IV) within 5 years prior to current sample collection (not including basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers; if patient has not been seen or if information is not available, the patient is eligible)
* Patient has received chemotherapy class drugs for the treatment of cancer in the 5 years prior to current sample collection
* Patient has had any abdominal radiation therapy prior to current sample collection
* Patient had therapy to the target (non-hyperplastic) lesion with intent to completely remove or debulk the lesion prior to sample collection \[examples include snare polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), surgical resection, trans anal excision\]
* Patient has prior diagnosis of non-lynch hereditary colon cancer syndrome \[familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP), Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS), PTEN, POL\]
* ADDITIONAL STOOL EXCLUSIONS:
* Bowel prep \<7 days prior to stool collection
* Oral or rectal contrast given within 7 days prior to stool collection
* Presence of ileostomy
* Enteral feeds or total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
* Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease

Where this trial is running

Scottsdale, Arizona and 8 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 CarcinomaLynch Syndrome
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.