Evaluating frailty in older patients undergoing bowel cancer surgery

Assessing Frailty and Its Impacts in Older Patients Facing Major Gastrointestinal Surgery

Observational Doncaster And Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · NCT06267378

This study is testing three new ways to measure frailty in older patients having surgery for bowel cancer to see if they work better than the usual methods.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDoncaster And Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Doncaster, South Yorkshire)
Trial IDNCT06267378 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess three new tests for measuring frailty in patients aged 70 and over who are scheduled for elective surgery due to bowel cancer. The study will compare these new tests against standard clinical measures of frailty to determine their effectiveness. The goal is to gather evidence that could support future research aimed at improving care for frail cancer patients. By identifying frailty more accurately, the study hopes to enhance pre-operative counseling and potentially improve surgical outcomes for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 70 and over with a diagnosis of operable colorectal cancer who are about to undergo elective surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with unresectable cancer or those presenting as an emergency will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better identification and management of frailty in older patients, improving their surgical outcomes and overall care.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach to measuring frailty in surgical patients is gaining attention, it remains relatively novel and untested in this specific context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female.
2. Aged 70 years and over.
3. Patients with a diagnosis of primary operable colorectal cancer where treatment includes a planned curative surgical procedure.
4. About to undergo elective surgery for cancer.
5. Mental capacity to consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with unresectable cancer.
2. Patients presenting as an emergency.
3. Patients who are having chemotherapy or radiotherapy before their surgery.

Where this trial is running

Doncaster, South Yorkshire

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 Bowel Cancer
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.