Measuring MMP-14 protein in blood exosomes to help detect colorectal cancer

Performance of Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP14) Assay as a Novel Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Subjects From 50 to 74 Years Old Referred for Colonoscopy After Positive FIT

Not applicable Interventional CHU de Reims · NCT06955767

This research tries to see if measuring MMP-14 in tiny blood particles called exosomes can help detect colorectal cancer in people with a positive FIT who are scheduled for colonoscopy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment650 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCHU de Reims Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Reims)
Trial IDNCT06955767 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a multicenter cross-sectional interventional study recruiting adults with a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) who are booked for colonoscopy. After consent, two 5 mL blood tubes are drawn and plasma is processed, frozen, and sent to a central lab where exosomes are isolated and characterized and MMP-14 protein levels are measured. Results will compare MMP-14 levels between patients with and without colorectal lesions found at colonoscopy. The goal is to determine whether exosomal MMP-14 could serve as a blood-based marker to better triage FIT-positive patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with a positive FIT result who are scheduled for a total colonoscopy under general anesthesia and who can provide informed consent are eligible.

Not a fit: People currently receiving chemotherapy, with another active or recently treated cancer (within five years), legally protected individuals, or those without a positive FIT would not be expected to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this marker could help reduce unnecessary follow-up colonoscopies by better identifying which FIT-positive patients are likely to have colorectal lesions.

How similar studies have performed: Early pilot data reported by the team found higher exosomal MMP-14 in colorectal cancer patients, so this approach has promising preliminary evidence but is not yet validated in large populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Individuals presenting for colonoscopy with a positive FIT result.
* Positive fecal immunoassay requiring total colonoscopy under general anesthesia.
* Persons having agreed to participate in the study (signed consent form)
* Adults affiliated to a health insurance scheme.

Exclusion criteria:

* History of other cancer not in remission or in remission for less than five years (with the exception of cervical cancer or basal cell skin cancer treated with curative intent)
* Patients undergoing chemotherapy
* Legally protected individuals

Where this trial is running

Reims

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 AdenocarcinomaExosomesMatrix Metalloproteinase 14MMP-14
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.