Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Observational Ages 50 to 74

Improving colorectal cancer screening with blood tests

Official title: SMARTER: Using Blood Samples to iMprove FIT-bAsed coloRecTal cancEr scReening

Run by Vejle Hospital · NCT06714318 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether blood tests can improve colorectal cancer screening for people aged 50-74 in Denmark by reducing unnecessary colonoscopies.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages50 Years to 74 Years
SexAll
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
SponsorVejle Hospital
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Aabenraa and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 2, 2024
Main results expectedMay 2027
Study endsSeptember 2028
Registry record updatedJune 29, 2026
Trial IDNCT06714318 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50-74 who are participating in the colorectal cancer screening program.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have not completed a colonoscopy or have a colorectal cancer obstruction 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 project investigates the potential of using blood tests to enhance colorectal cancer screening, aiming to reduce unnecessary colonoscopies. Currently, individuals aged 50-74 in Denmark are invited to participate in a screening program that often leads to over a third of colonoscopies being unnecessary. By identifying blood biomarkers, the study seeks to determine individuals at very low risk of colorectal cancer after a positive stool test, thereby personalizing and optimizing the screening process. The goal is to alleviate the burden on healthcare resources while minimizing unpleasant procedures for patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the number of unnecessary colonoscopies for patients.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using blood tests for screening is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in enhancing screening accuracy and reducing unnecessary procedures.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participation in the colorectal cancer screening program.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants are excluded if a colonoscopy is not completed unless this is due to a colorectal cancer obstruction.

Where it's running

  • Hospital Sønderjylland
    Aabenraa, Denmark
    Recruiting
  • Vejle Hospital
    Vejle, Denmark
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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.