Optimising Colorectal Cancer Patient Pathways
Official title: Optimising Patient Pathways for Earlier Detection of Colorectal Cancer in Secondary Care: Implementation of Multiple FIT Testing
Run by University of Edinburgh · NCT07430540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests extra FIT tests in patients referred for suspected colorectal cancer to see if repeated testing can improve detection while reducing delays.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Edinburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edinburgh) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 5, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 22, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 22, 2037 |
| Registry record updated | August 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07430540 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients referred to the NHS Lothian CRC pathway or urgent referrals with red-flag symptoms who have a positive FIT on referral.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with two negative FIT results on referral or those outside the inclusion window may not benefit from additional testing.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective cohort study adds an additional fecal immunochemical test (FIT) to the NHS Lothian urgent pathway for patients with red-flag lower GI symptoms. It builds on standard referral and diagnostic steps, with multiple FITs collected and analyzed to ISO15189 standards to explore whether repeated testing improves diagnostic yield and pathway efficiency. The study is conducted within the NHS Lothian CRC USoC/urgent pathway, coordinated by the Colorectal Surgery team and the FIT office at Western General Hospital. It leverages routine laboratory processing and electronic health record integration to monitor results and patient flow. Eligible participants are those referred with positive FIT or red-flag symptoms during a defined one-year enrollment window.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce delays and improve early detection of bowel cancer for patients, potentially lowering mortality and avoiding unnecessary procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Prior data on serial FIT testing in triage pathways have shown promise for improving diagnostic clarity, but the exact approach in NHS Lothian is novel/less established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients referred to the NHS Lothian USoC CRC pathway or an urgent referral with 'red-flag' symptoms, and with a positive FIT on referral will be included. * Referred from start date of study, for up to 1 year Exclusion Criteria: * Two negative FITs on referral * Patients referred with a palpable rectal or abdominal mass * Previous history of CRC or IBD, or under polyp surveillance * Known to have genetic hereditary condition predisposing patient to increased risk of CRC (e.g. Lynch, FAP, etc).
Where it's running
-
NHS Lothian
Edinburgh, United Kingdom Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.