Optimized ERAS 3.0 home recovery program for older adults after colon cancer surgery
Official title: Optimised Post-discharge Care in Older Patients After Surgery for Colon Cancer (ERAS 3.0)
Run by Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev · NCT06802991 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether a home-based ERAS 3.0 program of geriatric assessment, diet counseling, and guided physical activity helps frail patients aged 65 and older recover better after colon cancer surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Herlev and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 20, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06802991 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients aged 65 or older who are frail (CFS 4–7), nutritionally at risk (NRS-2002 >3), undergoing elective minimally invasive colon resection with no planned stoma and who will be discharged to their own home.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who require stoma creation or conversion to open surgery, develop major postoperative complications, are discharged to 24-hour rehabilitation, need tube feeding, or cannot adhere to home visits or provide consent are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial compares an extended post-discharge ERAS 3.0 program to standard care in elderly, frail patients after elective minimally invasive colon cancer resection. The ERAS 3.0 intervention includes a comprehensive geriatric assessment, dietary counseling from a dietitian, and home-based instructions for training and physical activity delivered after hospital discharge. Data are collected at the hospital, at a 12-day outpatient visit, and at one and three months post-discharge with home visits for follow-up. Key eligibility includes age ≥65, Clinical Frailty Scale 4–7, NRS-2002 >3, no planned stoma, and discharge to the patient’s own home.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could speed functional recovery, improve nutrition and independence, and reduce postoperative complications and readmissions.
How similar studies have gone: Conventional ERAS protocols have improved short-term outcomes after colorectal surgery, but adding structured home-based geriatric and nutritional support is a relatively novel approach with limited randomized evidence to date.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical Frailty Scale preoperative score 4-7 or G8 score ≤ 14 * Nutritional Risk Screening tool (NRS 2002) \> 3 * Elective colonic or rectal resection * Minimally invasive surgical approach (laparoscopic or robotic) * Patients discharged to own home * Informed consent to participate Exclusion Criteria: * Conversion to laparotomy * Major complications following surgery (Clavien-Dindo \>3a) * Participation in other randomised trials in conflict with the protocol and end- points of the ERAS 3.0 project * Discharged with tube feeding and parenteral nutrition (partially or completely) * Known food allergies to dairy or any other ingredient contained in the nutrition package * Incapable of providing informed consent * Discharge to 24-hour municipal rehabilitation facility * All conditions including psychological, geographical, and social factors that could hinder adherence to the trial protocol
Where it's running
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University Hospital Herlev
Herlev, Denmark Recruiting -
University Hospital Herlev
Herlev, Denmark Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Elna A. Dalsgaard, ph.d. student
- Email: elna.adalsteinsdottir.dalsgaard@regionh.dk
- Phone: +45 42402296
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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.