Individualized plant-based diet plan for colorectal cancer patients

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Effectiveness of an Individualized Plant-based (iPLANT) Diet Plan in Colorectal Cancer: Mixed Method Embedded Design

Not applicable Interventional National Cancer Institute, Malaysia · NCT06250166

This study is testing whether a personalized plant-based diet can help colorectal cancer patients on chemotherapy feel better and improve their quality of life compared to standard dietary advice.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment92 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Cancer Institute, Malaysia Government
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06250166 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on assessing the effectiveness of a personalized plant-based diet plan for colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study aims to explore current eating trends, perceptions of plant-based diets, and the impact of the individualized diet on nutritional indices, gastrointestinal side effects, and overall quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the individualized diet plan with counseling or standard dietary counseling. The outcomes will be compared to determine the benefits of the plant-based approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with stage II to IV colorectal cancer who are currently receiving chemotherapy and can consume food orally.

Not a fit: Patients with severe illnesses, cognitive impairments, or those who are terminally ill may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the nutritional status and quality of life for colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging interest in plant-based diets for cancer patients, this specific individualized approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with colorectal cancer, including the sites of caecum, appendix, ascending colon, hepatic flexure, transverse colon, splenic flexure, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum
* TNM stage II to IV
* Receiving chemotherapy
* Able to take food orally

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have cognitive impairments or mental disorders
* Diagnosed with severe illness, such as chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
* Within 4 weeks of bowel resection
* Terminally ill or receive hospice care
* Receiving enteral or total parenteral nutrition
* Having inflammatory bowel diseases
* Having gastrointestinal bleeding or obstruction
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Severe anemia (\<0.8g/dL)
* ECOG performance score \>2
* High stoma output (\>1500ml per day)

Where this trial is running

Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and 1 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 CancerNutrition PoorGastrointestinal ComplicationQuality of Life
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.