Observational study on early-onset colorectal cancer

Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: An Observational Retrospective and Prospective Multicenter Study - (The HEBE Study)

Observational Niguarda Hospital · NCT06965335

This study looks at young adults with colorectal cancer to learn more about the disease and find new treatment options.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorNiguarda Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan, Milano)
Trial IDNCT06965335 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between the ages of 18 and 40. It aims to explore the biology of very early-onset colorectal cancer (vEO-CRC) through both retrospective and prospective data collection across multiple centers in Italy. The study will analyze clinicopathological features, survival data, and assess colibactin presence in tumor samples using advanced genomic techniques. Additionally, a subset of patients will undergo proteomic assessment to identify potential new therapeutic targets.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-40 diagnosed with colorectal cancer or those over 60 diagnosed with standard-onset colorectal cancer.

Not a fit: Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer outside the specified age ranges may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets specifically for young colorectal cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in exploring the biology of colorectal cancer, but this specific focus on early-onset cases is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
1. Patients with diagnosis of colorectal cancer (vEO-CRC: 18-40 years of age), or SO-CRC diagnosed later than age 60;
2. Informed consent signature from alivepatient;
3. Availability of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor samples (5 FFPE 4uM thick slides and 10 FFPE 10 uM thick slides) and/or fresh tumor tissue retrieved from a biopsy or surgical procedure performed as per clinical standard of care.

Where this trial is running

Milan, Milano

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 Colo-rectal CancerEarly-Onset Colorectal Cancer
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.