Using Gelsectan® to treat Low Anterior Resection Syndrome

Real World Evaluation of the Effect of Gelsectan® in Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Patients: a Pilot Prospective Case-series Pilot Study (GeLAR)

Istituto Clinico Humanitas · NCT06162143

This study is testing if Gelsectan® can help people who have Low Anterior Resection Syndrome feel better after surgery for rectal cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment73 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Clinico Humanitas (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Rozzano, MI)
Trial IDNCT06162143 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Gelsectan®, a class II medical device, in improving symptoms of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) in patients who have undergone rectal resection for rectal cancer. LARS affects a significant number of patients post-surgery, leading to symptoms such as urgency and fecal incontinence. The study will assess patients with a LARS score of 21 or higher, indicating the presence of the syndrome, and will provide preliminary data on whether Gelsectan® can alleviate these symptoms. The treatment is based on the similarities between LARS and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, where Gelsectan® has shown effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 who have undergone low rectal resection for rectal cancer and exhibit symptoms of LARS.

Not a fit: Patients with known hypersensitivity to Gelsectan® or significant anastomotic complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from LARS.

How similar studies have performed: While Gelsectan® has been effective in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome, its application for LARS is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged more than 18 years old.
* Patients who underwent low rectal resection for rectal cancer and who closed the ileostomy at least three months before the screening visit.
* Patients with a LARS score ≥21 and/or clinically relevant symptoms of urgency, increased stool frequency, or fecal incontinence.
* Patients indicated to treatment with Gelsectan® according to the clinical judgment.
* Oncological chemotherapy or radiotherapy completed at least four weeks before the screening visit.
* Presence of a functional, intact anastomosis.
* Female patients of childbearing potential must agree to use a reliable method of contraception.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known hypersensitivity to the investigational medicinal product (IMP).
* Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, may interfere with the study procedures.
* Significant anastomotic complications (e.g., strictures, fistula), which may impair the treatment efficacy.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
* Inability to comply with the study procedures.

Where this trial is running

Rozzano, MI

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, Rectal cancer, xyloglucans, xylo-oligosaccharides

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.