Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Development of an e-diary for bowel symptoms in rectal cancer patients

Official title: Towards Personalized Care Pathways for Bowel Symptoms in Rectal Cancer Patients Through Precision Medicine

Run by KU Leuven · NCT06274190 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to create an easy-to-use online diary for rectal cancer patients to track their bowel symptoms after treatment and see how it affects their daily lives.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment158 (estimated)
SponsorKU Leuven
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 29, 2024
Main results expectedJuly 2026
Study endsJuly 2026
Registry record updatedApril 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT06274190 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with a rectal tumor and can communicate in Dutch.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have undergone surgeries other than low anterior resection or have pre-existing bowel function issues 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 study aims to create a validated bowel diary to assess and evaluate bowel symptoms in patients who have undergone treatment for rectal cancer. Given the high prevalence of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) and its significant impact on quality of life, the e-diary will help capture the full range of bowel-related issues that patients face post-treatment. The study will involve rectal cancer patients who can read and converse in Dutch, and it will focus on gathering comprehensive data to improve patient care pathways.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this e-diary could enhance the management of bowel symptoms and improve the quality of life for rectal cancer patients.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using an e-diary for symptom tracking is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving patient outcomes in other cancer-related contexts.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Voluntary written informed consent of the participant or their legally authorized representative has been obtained prior to any screening procedures.
* At least 18 years of age at the time of signing the Informed Consent Form (ICF).
* Proficient in reading, comprehending, and conversing in Dutch .
* Patients after rectal surgery for rectal cancer or under Watch and Wait protocol (also referred to as active surveillance).

Exclusion Criteria:

* The participant has undergone a different type of surgery, including a Hartmann procedure, abdominoperineal excision, transanal endoscopic microsurgery, or sigmoid resection.
* Experienced fecal incontinence prior to undergoing surgery.
* Are affected by neurological disorders affecting bowel function.
* Already underwent previous pelvic radiation or rectal surgery for non-cancer reasons.

Where it's running

  • UZ Leuven
    Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
    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.