Clinical trial Recruiting at 10 sites Observational Ages 18 and up

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 typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment300 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Medical Center Groningen
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy
Locations10 sites (Assen and 9 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 9, 2020
Main results expectedJanuary 2026
Study endsJanuary 2026
Registry record updatedJanuary 1, 2025
Trial IDNCT03941080 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

  • 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
  • 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

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.