RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

EMVI as a Determinant of Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer

Bowel cancer is common, and sadly, it often spreads to other organs, which is a major problem for patients. Doctors usually think cancer spreads through lymph nodes, but new ideas suggest it might spread through blood vessels instead. This study will use existing tissue samples from patients to investigate this. We'll look at the genetic make-up of the cancer in different places to create a 'family tree' of how it spreads. If we find that cancer often spreads through blood vessels, it could completely change how doctors choose treatments and lead to new ways to fight the disease, helping more patients survive.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Jan 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Colo-rectal Cancer

What is this study about?

Bowel cancer is a significant health concern in the UK, being one of the most common cancers. Sadly, for many patients, the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, which is a big reason why treatments sometimes aren't as successful as we'd like. Currently, doctors often focus on whether cancer has spread to nearby gland-like structures, called lymph nodes, when deciding on treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy before or after surgery. This is because it's usually believed that cancer spreads to other organs through these lymph nodes.

However, some recent studies hint that this might not be the full picture. There's a growing idea that bowel cancer might actually spread more often through small blood vessels rather than the lymph nodes. This study aims to investigate this idea further. Researchers will look closely at tissue samples that have already been collected as part of patients' routine care, comparing the genetic information from the main tumour, areas where it has spread into blood vessels, lymph nodes, and new tumours that have appeared in other organs.

By doing this, the researchers hope to build a detailed 'family tree' of the cancer's journey. This will help them understand exactly how the cancer travels from its original spot to other parts of the body. If this study proves that cancer spreads mainly through blood vessels, it could completely change how doctors assess the cancer and decide which treatments are best for individual patients. It could also open doors to developing brand new treatments that specifically target these blood vessel pathways to stop the cancer from spreading.

Key takeaways

This study investigates how bowel cancer spreads to other organs.
It aims to see if cancer spreads through blood vessels more than lymph nodes, as previously thought.
The study uses existing tissue samples and medical records, meaning no direct patient involvement.
Findings could change how doctors decide on treatments for bowel cancer.
Aims to improve survival rates and develop new therapies for future patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking at information from existing tissue samples, so you wouldn't need to do anything new to take part. Researchers are interested in samples from people who were 16 years old or older, up to 100 years old, when they had their bowel cancer treated.

To be included, you would have had bowel cancer that was surgically removed, and any cancer that had spread to other parts of the body would also have been removed. Additionally, doctors would need to have performed scans like CT or MRI before your surgery, and those images must be available for review.

Some samples would not be suitable for this study. For example, if the initial cancer completely disappeared after treatment before surgery, or if only a small part of the main tumour was removed. Also, if there isn't enough tissue left from your samples for the detailed tests, they wouldn't be able to be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Were you 16 years old or older when you were treated for bowel cancer?
Was your bowel cancer surgically removed?
If your cancer spread to other organs, was that also surgically removed?
Did you have CT or MRI scans before your surgery that are available for review?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is a bit different because it's a 'retrospective' study. This means researchers will be looking back at information and tissue samples that have already been collected as part of your normal medical care. If you were eligible, your anonymised tissue samples and medical information would be used for the study. You would not need to have any extra hospital visits, tests, or take any medication for this study. Your treatment would not change, and there would be no direct involvement needed from you after your initial medical care.

Potential risks and benefits

Because this study uses samples and information already collected from your past medical care, there are no direct risks to you. You won't undergo any new procedures or take any new medications. There are also no direct benefits to you as an individual, but the information learned from your samples could help improve treatments and understanding of bowel cancer for future patients. You always have the right to withdraw your consent for your data and samples to be included, even if they have been used in the past, and this would not affect your medical care in any way.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Hampshire Hospitals Nhs Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Basingstoke, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'Extramural Venous Invasion' (EMVI)?

EMVI is a medical term that means cancer cells have grown into tiny blood vessels surrounding the bowel. This study is looking at whether this is a key way cancer spreads.

Will I have to do anything if I take part?

No, you wouldn't need to do anything. This study uses information and samples from treatments you've already had. Your care wouldn't change, and you wouldn't need extra visits or tests.

Why is this study important?

This study hopes to find out exactly how bowel cancer spreads. If we understand this better, doctors can make more informed decisions about which treatments are best for patients and potentially develop new, more effective therapies.

Will this study affect my current or future treatment?

No, this study will not affect your current or future treatment. It is looking at past samples to learn for the future. Any decisions about your personal care will still be made by your medical team.

Can I choose not to have my information used?

Yes, absolutely. Even though the samples are from past care, you have the right to say that you don't want your anonymised information or samples to be included in this research. Your medical team can explain how to do this.

How to find out more

Caroline Martin

c.martin1@imperial.ac.uk +44 (0) 7749 655 817 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.