Testing stool samples for cancer detection in colorectal cancer survivors

The Utility and Feasibility of Mt-sDNA as a Surveillance Procedure in Colorectal Cancer Survivors

Observational Case Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT04624555

This study is testing if a new stool test can help find polyps and cancer in colorectal cancer survivors to see if it works better than regular check-ups.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCase Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT04624555 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA) testing in detecting polyps and cancer in colorectal cancer survivors diagnosed with Stage I-III adenocarcinoma. Participants will provide stool samples for mt-sDNA testing before their scheduled colonoscopies at one and four years post-diagnosis. Following the testing, participants will complete a questionnaire regarding their satisfaction with the mt-sDNA procedure. The study seeks to compare the results of mt-sDNA testing with standard surveillance methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with Stage I, II, or III adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum who have undergone preoperative colonoscopy and bowel resection.

Not a fit: Patients with Stage IV colorectal cancer or those with certain conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or polyposis syndromes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method for early detection of colorectal cancer recurrence and polyps, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar stool DNA testing approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of stage I, II or III adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum
* Receipt of preoperative colonoscopy
* Receipt of bowel resection; use of adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy as clinically indicated

Exclusion Criteria:

* Stage IV colorectal cancer
* Surgical treatment with subtotal colectomy or total proctocolectomy
* Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
* Diagnosis of polyposis syndrome including Lynch syndrome or familial polyposis
* Presence of advanced adenomas (1 cm or larger, villous features and/or high grade dysplasia) that were not removed at the preoperative colonoscopy or contained in the resection specimen.
* Inability to provide informed consent
* Inability to understand spoken and written English
* Medical comorbidities that would be contraindications to sedation or that would preclude any benefit of routine surveillance post-resection. These would be at the discretion of the participant's providers.

Where this trial is running

Cleveland, Ohio

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 Adenocarcinoma of the ColonAdenocarcinoma of the RectumStage I Colorectal CancerStage II Colorectal CancerStage III 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.