Detecting phosphorylated alpha-synuclein in colon tissue to help diagnose Parkinson's
Official title: Detection of Phosphorylated Alpha-synuclein Through Routine Colonoscopy to Diagnose Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders
Run by CND Life Sciences · NCT07204652 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether routine colonoscopy tissue samples from adults with Parkinson's show phosphorylated alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to the disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | CND Life Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 3, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 2028 |
| Study ends | September 2029 |
| Registry record updated | February 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07204652 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 40–99 with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease who are already scheduled for a routine colonoscopy are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People without Parkinson's, those not undergoing a colonoscopy, or individuals excluded for recent GI illness, prior colon cancer, significant cognitive impairment, pregnancy, or contraindicated anticoagulant use are unlikely to 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 enrolls adults with a clinical Parkinson's diagnosis who are already scheduled for a routine colonoscopy. Participants complete brief questionnaires, a smell test, and provide a home stool sample before the procedure. During the planned colonoscopy, clinicians take four small additional biopsies (two from each side of the colon), adding about two minutes to the procedure; no extra visits are required. Researchers will analyze the colon tissue for phosphorylated alpha-synuclein to determine whether this marker is detectable in people with Parkinson's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enable earlier detection of Parkinson's from routine colonoscopy samples, allowing earlier treatment and monitoring.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has detected alpha-synuclein in some gastrointestinal biopsies but findings have been inconsistent, so the approach is promising but not yet definitive.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 40 to 99 years of age * Patients with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease by UKPDS Brain Bank Criteria * Patients who have agreed to undergo a routine colonoscopy as part of their surveillance for colon cancer or exclusion of other gastrointestinal diseases Exclusion Criteria: * Use of anticoagulants (Plavix 75 mg or aspirin up to 325 mg alone is allowed) * History of colon cancer * Recent gastrointestinal illness or surgical procedures * Pregnant or planning to become pregnant before the scheduled colonoscopy * Significant cognitive impairment, as determined by study investigators * Decisionally impaired adults who cannot express understanding that this study is voluntary and for research purposes
Where it's running
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Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Delaram Safarpour, MD, MSCE, FAAN — Oregon Health and Science University
- Study coordinator: Magda Armendariz Sullivan
- Email: armendam@ohsu.edu
- Phone: 503-501-8478
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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.