Nutritional support for patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer

ImmunoNutrition and Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Surgery: a Randomized Study. INCAS Study

Not applicable Interventional Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS · NCT06134440

This study is testing if a special nutritional supplement can help patients with colorectal cancer recover better after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Padova)
Trial IDNCT06134440 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of oral nutritional supplementation enriched with immune-nutrients on patients undergoing elective curative surgery for colorectal adenocarcinoma. It is a randomized, controlled, open-label trial conducted at a single center, where participants will receive standard dietary advice along with the nutritional supplement before and after surgery. The aim is to assess whether this intervention can improve post-operative outcomes and enhance immune response within the tumor microenvironment. All patients will follow a low-fiber diet as per the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol during the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum who are eligible for elective curative surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced cancer (TNM Stage ≥4), significant weight loss, or contraindications to oral nutrition may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved recovery and reduced complications for patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with nutritional interventions in malnourished patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal cancers, but this specific approach is still being evaluated.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged ≥ 18 years or older;
* histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of colon or rectum;
* Eligible for elective curative surgery with indication of colon and/or rectal resection in laparoscopy with mini-invasive technique;
* eligible for ERAS protocol;
* Written informed consent to the study participation according to the Local Ethic Committee requirements before any study procedure;

Exclusion Criteria:

* colon or rectal resection for benign disease;
* TNM Stage ≥4;
* neoadjuvant radio and/or chemotherapy
* ASA score \> 3;
* contraindications to oral nutrition (e.g. dysphagia, pyloric stenosis) or hypersensitivity to any ingredient of study product;
* albuminemia \< 3.0 g/l;
* weight loss \> 10% in the last 3-6 months;
* BMI \< 18.5 kg/m2;
* pregnant or breastfeeding;
* Not self-sufficient or with poor family compliance;
* Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency;
* Active uncontrolled pre-operative infections or other clinically relevant concomitant illness that preclude laparoscopic procedure;
* Bowel obstruction or parenteral nutrition or gastric tube;

Where this trial is running

Padova

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 Adenocarcinoma
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.