Validation of the French LARS score for rectal cancer patients

Validation of the French Version of the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) Score for Measuring Bowel Dysfunction After Sphincter-preserving Surgery Among Rectal Cancer Patients

Observational University Hospital, Caen · NCT03569488

This study is testing the French version of a score that measures bowel function problems in rectal cancer patients after surgery to see if it works well for helping doctors understand their quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Caen Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations8 sites (Amiens and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03569488 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to validate the French version of the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score among rectal cancer patients who have undergone sphincter-preserving surgery. It involves assessing the prevalence and severity of LARS, a condition that affects bowel function after surgery, which can significantly impair quality of life. Eligible patients will complete the LARS-F score and other quality of life questionnaires to evaluate the psychometric properties of the translated score. The study seeks to ensure that the French version of the LARS score is both reliable and valid for use in clinical settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are rectal cancer patients aged 18 to 80 who have undergone curative sphincter-preserving surgery and have had bowel continuity restored for at least 24 months.

Not a fit: Patients with a stoma, recurrent disease, or other bowel dysfunctions such as Crohn's disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a validated tool for assessing bowel function and quality of life in rectal cancer survivors, leading to better patient management.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have successfully validated similar assessment tools for quality of life in cancer patients, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 80 years
* Rectal cancer patients undergoing curative sphincter-preserving surgery with partial or total mesorectal excision
* Surgery performed between January 2007 to January 2016, with reversal of the defunctioning stoma before January 2016;
* Hence all patients had had bowel continuity restored for at least 24 months Voluntarily participated in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* The presence of stoma and/or known disseminated or recurrent disease
* Other diseases of bowel dysfunction (Crohn's disease)
* Cognition and/or language issues.

Where this trial is running

Amiens and 7 other locations

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 Rectal Cancer Patientsquality of lifesphincter-sparing surgeryLARS score
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.