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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 158 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | KU Leuven Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 29, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06274190 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
- Principal investigator: Inge Geraerts, PhD — KU Leuven
- Study coordinator: Inge Geraerts, PhD
- Email: inge.geraerts@kuleuven.be
- Phone: +3216329120
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Intensified follow-up to reduce bowel symptoms and improve life after rectal cancer surgery
We will test whether an intensified follow-up program can reduce LARS symptoms and improve quality of life for people who have had rectal cancer surgery with a protective ileostomy.
-
Assessing the effectiveness of low volume transanal irrigation for patients with Low Anterior Resection Syndrome
This study is testing if a new low-volume irrigation method can help adults with Low Anterior Resection Syndrome feel better after rectal cancer surgery compared to standard treatment alone.
-
Personalized care pathways for bowel symptoms after rectal cancer treatment
This project will test whether using an electronic bowel diary and quality-of-life questionnaires can identify treatable causes of ongoing bowel problems in people treated for rectal cancer.
-
Single vs. double stapling and purse-string techniques after rectal cancer surgery
This trial tests whether using a single-stapling method to join the bowel after rectal cancer surgery results in fewer leaks compared with the double-stapling method.
-
DEM301 in advanced colorectal cancer: a first-in-human test
This first-in-human Phase 1 study tests DEM301 in adults with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer to see if it is safe, how it behaves in the body, and whether it shows any signs of activity.
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Rectal cancer registry to track real-world treatments and outcomes
This registry collects real-world data on how locally advanced rectal cancer is treated in Austria, to see how TNT and dMMR/MSI-H cases are managed and what outcomes occur.
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.