Understanding muscle wasting in cancer patients
Routine Evaluation of People Living With Cancer - Surgery
This study looks at cancer patients who are losing muscle and weight to see how their body, activity levels, and overall well-being change over time.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Edinburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edinburgh) |
| Trial ID | NCT05642819 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on patients with cancer who are at risk of cachexia, a condition characterized by muscle wasting and weight loss. It aims to gather comprehensive data on body composition, physical activity, quality of life, and immune response to cancer over time. By examining these factors together rather than in isolation, the study seeks to provide a more complete understanding of how cachexia affects surgical patients. The findings could help improve patient management and outcomes in those undergoing cancer treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and over with cancer who are scheduled for surgical resection of malignancies in the oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, colon, or rectum.
Not a fit: Patients with concomitant inflammatory or muscle wasting conditions other than cancer, or those with significant medical or psychiatric issues, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better strategies for managing cachexia in cancer patients, potentially improving their quality of life and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While cachexia has been studied in various contexts, this holistic approach to understanding its impact on surgical patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Inclusion Criteria (Cancer Resection) * Patients with cancer (Clinical, histological, cytological or radiological evidence) planned for surgical resection of a malignancy of the oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, colon, or rectum * Aged 18-years and over * Able to give written informed consent Inclusion Criteria (Healthy Controls) * Patients identified at surgical clinic as being planned for an open abdominal operation for a non-inflammatory, benign condition (e.g. donor nephrectomy) * Aged 18-years and over * Able to give written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Any concomitant medical or psychiatric problems which, in the opinion of the investigator, would increase the risk of complication for the participant and/or investigator * Presence of a concomitant inflammatory (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease) or muscle wasting condition other than cancer * Participants who are pregnant, suffer from claustrophobia or with implanted medical devices (e.g., cardiac pacemaker, metallic foreign bodies, aneurysm clip) would not be able to undergo the additional multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Where this trial is running
Edinburgh
- University of Edinburgh — Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Richard JE Skipworth, MD FRCS — University of Edinburgh / NHS Lothian
- Study coordinator: Richard JE Skipworth, MD FRCS
- Email: Richard.Skipworth@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
- Phone: 01312423176
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.