Increasing dietary fiber intake before colorectal cancer surgery

FiberUP in Clinical Practice: Increasing Preoperative Dietary Fiber Intake in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Not applicable Interventional Wageningen University · NCT06212817

This study is testing if increasing fiber in the diet before surgery can help people with colorectal cancer recover better and have fewer complications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment54 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWageningen University Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Arnhem, Gelderland and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06212817 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial aims to explore the feasibility of enhancing preoperative dietary fiber intake in patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer who are scheduled for surgery. Participants will be divided into three groups: one receiving personalized dietary advice through the Vezel-UP tool, another consuming a vegetable product rich in natural fibers, and a control group maintaining their habitual diet. The study will assess the impact of these interventions on postoperative complications, which can significantly affect recovery and quality of life. The intervention period will last approximately four weeks, varying based on individual patient characteristics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with colorectal cancer who are scheduled for elective tumor resection.

Not a fit: Patients with prior large abdominal resections, inflammatory bowel diseases, or those currently on strict diets may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce postoperative complications and improve recovery outcomes for colorectal cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a potential link between higher dietary fiber intake and reduced postoperative complications, suggesting this approach may be promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years;
* Being diagnosed with CRC and planned to undergo elective CRC resection;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previously have had a large abdominal resection, excluding appendectomy and cholecystectomy;
* Diagnosed with Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac Disease;
* Currently having a stoma;
* Known allergic reactions to plants from the Asteraceae (Compositae) family (e.g., lettuce, daisies, sunflowers, artichokes, sage, tarragon, chamomile, chicory etc.);
* Currently following a strict diet and unwilling or unable to change (e.g., gluten free or ketogenic diet);
* Currently using fiber supplements, prebiotics and/or probiotics and unwilling to stop using these for the duration of the intervention;
* Having a habitual dietary fiber intake \>30 g/day for women and \>40 g/day for men, measured with a food frequency questionnaire;
* Dementia or other cognitive disabilities that makes it impossible to fill out questionnaires correctly;
* Illiteracy (inability to read and understand Dutch).

Where this trial is running

Arnhem, Gelderland and 2 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 Colorectal CancerDietary fiberPostoperative complicationsSurgeryGut microbiotaColorectal cancerPrehabilitation
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.