Examining gut microbiome changes in advanced colorectal cancer during chemotherapy
Official title: Gut Microbiome Dynamics in Metastasized or Irresectable Colorectal Cancer: Initiating a Prospective Multicenter Cohort (GIMICC)
Run by University Medical Center Groningen · NCT03941080 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how chemotherapy changes the gut bacteria in people with advanced colorectal cancer to see if understanding these changes can help improve treatment outcomes.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Medical Center Groningen Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy |
| Locations | 10 sites (Assen and 9 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 9, 2020 |
| Main results expected | January 2026 |
| Study ends | January 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT03941080 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed metastatic or irresectable colorectal cancer who are eligible for palliative systemic anti-tumor therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have undergone recent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery affecting the gastrointestinal tract 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 observational study investigates the characteristics and alterations of the gut microbiome in patients with metastasized or irresectable colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. It aims to understand the relationship between gut microbiome dynamics and the effects of chemotherapy, which could lead to better predictive tools for treatment selection. By analyzing fecal and blood samples, along with patient questionnaires, the study seeks to identify factors that may enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy. The findings could provide insights into how gut microbiome modulation might improve treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with advanced colorectal cancer by tailoring therapies based on gut microbiome characteristics.
How similar studies have gone: While the relationship between gut microbiome and immunotherapy has been extensively studied, this specific focus on conventional chemotherapy is relatively novel and untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Patients with histologically confirmed CRC with an indication for palliative systemic anti-tumor therapy (ANY combination of chemotherapy with/without anti-VEGF of anti-EGFR therapy) * Measurable disease according to RECIST v1.1. * Stored pathological specimens available * Life expectancy ≥ 12 weeks * Signed Informed Consent Form * Ability to comply with protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Previous (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy \< 6 months * Previous radiotherapy on the small or large intestine \< 1month * Previous surgery of the small or large intestine \< 1 month * Uncontrolled inflammatory bowel disease * Participation in a study with a potential effect on the gut microbiome
Where it's running
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Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis
Assen, Netherlands Recruiting -
Ziekenhuis Nij Smellinghe
Drachten, Netherlands Recruiting -
Treant Zorggroep
Emmen, Netherlands Recruiting -
Medisch Spectrum Twente
Enschede, Netherlands Recruiting -
University Medical Center Groningen
Groningen, Netherlands Recruiting -
Martini Ziekenhuis
Groningen, Netherlands Recruiting
Show 4 more locations
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Tjongerschans Ziekenhuis
Heerenveen, Netherlands Recruiting -
Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden
Leeuwarden, Netherlands Recruiting -
Ommelander Ziekenhuis Groep
Scheemda, Netherlands Recruiting -
Antonius Zorggroep
Sneek, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: J. J. de Haan, MD, PhD — University Medical Center Groningen
- Study coordinator: J. J. de Haan, MD, PhD
- Email: j.j.de.haan@umcg.nl
- Phone: +31 50 3612821
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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.