Evaluating Transmural Healing in Crohn's Disease

TRansmural hEaliNg Definition in CroHn's Disease - The TRENCH1 Study

Observational Groupe d'Etude Therapeutique des Affections Inflammatoires Digestives · NCT05903066

This study is trying to see if a new way to measure healing in the intestines can help doctors better understand and treat patients with Crohn's Disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment210 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorGroupe d'Etude Therapeutique des Affections Inflammatoires Digestives Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsinfliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, methotrexate
Locations18 sites (Liège and 17 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05903066 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter observational study aims to establish an objective and reproducible system for assessing transmural healing in patients with Crohn's Disease (CD). It will involve 210 patients across 14 sites, with each site contributing 15 patients based on their grade of transmural healing as evaluated by a gastroenterologist and a radiologist. The primary endpoint focuses on defining the depth or grade of transmural healing in relation to radiologic signs observed during Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE). Additionally, the study will analyze the variability of radiological findings and definitions of transmural healing among observers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of Crohn's Disease for more than six months.

Not a fit: Patients with ulcerative colitis, unclassified IBD, or specific postsurgical settings such as ileoanal anastomosis, ileostomy, or colostomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved assessment and management of Crohn's Disease, enhancing treatment outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in its specific focus on transmural healing definitions, similar studies in inflammatory bowel disease have shown promise in improving patient outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 18 years of age
* Patient diagnosed with CD for more than 6 months with histological confirmation available in his medical record.
* Indication for MRE based on routine clinical practice validated by the treating physician
* Any CD treatment will be authorized, such as biologicals (infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab…), or immunomodulators (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate…).
* The subjects sign and date a written, informed consent form and any required privacy authorization prior to the initiation of the study.
* A subject can be enrolled into the study only if the grade of TH (assessed by the LRP) corresponding to the subject is not already fulfilled.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy during the study
* People unable to give consent (because of their physical or mental state)
* Absence of written consent
* Ulcerative colitis or unclassified IBD
* Specific postsurgical settings: ileoanal anastomosis, ileostomy or colostomy.
* Less than 3 evaluable ileocolic segments or more than 3 resected ileocolonic segments (not counting ileocecal valve)
* Severe obstructive symptoms
* Symptomatic intra-abdominal abscess
* Contraindication for MRI
* Isolated perianal disease without luminal location
* MRE images of poor quality, based on previously defined criteria

Where this trial is running

Liège and 17 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 Crohn DiseaseIBDCD
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.