Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Reporting of Tumour Deposits in Colorectal Cancer by Radiology and Pathology

This study investigates how doctors identify and report small cancer spots called 'tumour deposits' in patients with bowel cancer. These deposits, found near the main tumour, are important because they can show how aggressive the cancer is and if it’s likely to return. Historically, these spots weren't always recorded properly, potentially leading to patients missing out on helpful treatments like chemotherapy. Since new guidelines were introduced in 2018, doctors are now expected to report them separately. This research aims to check if these deposits are being routinely reported on scans and lab reports. It also explores if there's a connection between these deposits and another important cancer feature called EMVI, both of which are key for deciding the best treatment.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

225

Start

01 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 May 2026

Rectal Adenocarcinoma

What is this study about?

This research project is all about tiny cancer spots, called 'tumour deposits,' that can be found near the main bowel cancer tumour. Think of them as very small satellite spots of cancer. Doctors have learned that finding these deposits can give us really important clues about how the cancer might behave – for example, how aggressive it is or if it's more likely to come back after treatment. These insights are crucial because they help doctors decide the best path for your treatment.

Doctors can spot these tumour deposits in two main ways: either by looking at scans (like MRI scans) before a patient has surgery, or by carefully examining the bowel tissue under a microscope after it's been removed during an operation. However, in the past, these tumour deposits weren't always recorded properly because older systems for classifying cancer didn't treat them consistently. This meant many deposits were missed, and doctors might not have known about them. This is important because patients with tumour deposits might need extra treatments, like chemotherapy or radiotherapy, in addition to surgery, to give them the best chance. Without knowing about the deposits, patients might not get this vital additional care.

Good news! Since 2018, the UK has been using an updated system that specifically includes tumour deposits, giving them their own category. This means doctors are now expected to report them when they find them. This study wants to find out if this change is actually happening. Are doctors regularly reporting these deposits on scans and lab reports for bowel cancer patients? The study also wants to see if tumour deposits are linked to another important feature called 'EMVI' (which also impacts cancer behaviour). Understanding these connections will help ensure patients get the most accurate information and receive the most effective treatments available.

Key takeaways

The study helps understand how small cancer spots (tumour deposits) are reported.
These spots are important for deciding the best bowel cancer treatment.
New guidelines (TNM 8 since 2018) require doctors to report these deposits.
This research checks if doctors are consistently following these new guidelines.
The study looks at existing patient records, so no direct participation is needed.
Findings could lead to better-informed treatment decisions for future patients.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, patients must have been diagnosed with a type of bowel cancer called rectal adenocarcinoma. They must have had surgery for this cancer, and their diagnosis must have been confirmed by a small tissue sample (a biopsy).

The study looks at two time periods: patients who had surgery between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017, and a separate group who had surgery between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024. For all participants, detailed MRI scan reports and post-surgery lab reports must be available.

Patients under 16 years old or who have cancer that has already spread to other parts of the body (synchronous metastatic tumours) cannot take part. Also, if there are no MRI or pathology reports available, a patient won't 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.

Have I been diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma (a type of bowel cancer)?
Did I have surgery for this cancer?
Was my surgery between 2007-2017 or 2022-2024?
Are my MRI scans and post-surgery lab reports available?
Am I 16 years old or older?
Do I only have cancer in my rectum (not spread to other distant parts of my body)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This is an 'observational cohort' study, which means you wouldn't directly participate in the way you might imagine for a drug trial. There are no new treatments, medications, or extra doctor visits involved. Researchers will simply be looking at existing medical records, including your scans and lab reports, from your past treatment. You won't need to do anything or attend any appointments specifically for this study. The study looks at information already collected as part of your routine care, so your involvement is entirely behind the scenes.

Potential risks and benefits

Because this study only involves reviewing existing medical records, there are no direct risks to your health or safety. You will not have to take any new medicines or undergo any extra tests. The main benefit is that the findings could help doctors better understand cancer and future treatment decisions for other patients. By improving how tumour deposits are reported, more patients may receive the most appropriate and effective treatments for their individual cancer in the future. You have the right to withdraw your consent for your anonymised data to be used at any time.

Locations (4)

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

Croydon Health Services NHS Trusts
Verified postcode
Croydon, United Kingdom
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom
Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital
Verified postcode
Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Surrey Quays, United Kingdom

Common questions

What are tumour deposits?

Tumour deposits are small spots of cancer found in the tissue near the main bowel tumour, but they aren't in lymph nodes (glands).

Why are tumour deposits important?

They give doctors clues about how aggressive the cancer is and if it might come back, which helps decide the best treatment.

What is TNM 8?

TNM 8 is a newer system used by doctors since 2018 to classify cancer. It now specifically includes tumour deposits as an important finding.

Will I have to do anything if I'm in this study?

No, this study only looks at existing medical records, so you won't need to attend any extra appointments or take any new medications.

How could this study help patients?

By understanding if tumour deposits are being reported correctly, doctors can ensure future patients get the most appropriate and effective treatments.

How to find out more

Gina Brown

gina.brown@imperial.ac.uk 07917302097 Official trial record

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