Improving recovery in older colorectal cancer patients with sarcopenia

Intervention, Non-randomized Controlled, Non-masked and Comparative Study of Presurgical Conditioning in Colorectal Cancer Patients Who Present With Sarcopenia

Not applicable Interventional Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge · NCT05491434

This study is testing if exercise and nutrition can help older colon cancer patients with muscle loss recover better and have fewer infections after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment370 (estimated)
Ages70 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital Universitari de Bellvitge Academic / other
Locations1 site (L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT05491434 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the impact of physical exercise and nutritional supplementation on the functional status of sarcopenic patients diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma. By comparing the incidence of postoperative infections between patients with and without sarcopenia, the study seeks to determine if preoperative interventions can reduce complications. The assessment of sarcopenia will be conducted using CT imaging of the L3 vertebra, and the primary outcome will focus on the rate of infections within 30 days post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 70 years and older diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma without synchronous metastases.

Not a fit: Patients with rectal cancer or other significant medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative complications in older colorectal cancer patients with sarcopenia.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of addressing sarcopenia in cancer patients is gaining traction, this specific intervention approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 70 years old,
* Colon adenocarcinoma without synchronous metàstasis,
* No urgent surgery,
* ECOG performance status ≤ 2,
* no pregnancy or lactation,
* signature of the informed consent,
* ability to comply with the study indications.

Exclusion Criteria:

* rectal càncer,
* Concomitant neoplastic disease in the last 5 years
* medical or mental condition of the patient that compromises the authorization of informed consent,
* Concomitant uncontrolled or stable medical condition,
* Clinically significant heart disease (congestive heart failure, symptomatic coronary disease)
* Refusal to participate in the study.

Where this trial is running

L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona

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 SarcopeniaPostoperative ComplicationsInfectionPost Surg ProcedureColon cancerPostoperative complicationsInmunologic statusL3 CT image
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.