CARE-CRC: Microbiome Insights and Correlations for Risk and Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer

Launched by GULBENKIAN INSTITUTE FOR MOLECULAR MEDICINE · Dec 11, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The CARE-CRC trial is focused on understanding how changes in the gut microbiome—the community of bacteria living in our intestines—might help us detect and prevent colorectal cancer (CRC), especially in younger adults. This trial is particularly important because the number of people under 50 diagnosed with CRC is rising and they often don’t get screened as regularly as older adults. The researchers believe that by studying the gut microbiome, they can find new ways to spot CRC early, which could lead to better treatment options and lower healthcare costs.

To participate in this trial, you need to be between 40 and 74 years old, live in Portugal, and have recently been diagnosed with CRC but haven't started any treatment yet. Participants will provide stool samples and share some health information. The goal is to identify specific markers in the microbiome that can indicate CRC, which could ultimately help to save lives by catching the disease sooner. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested, your involvement could contribute to important advancements in cancer care.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Be willing and able to provide written informed consent
• • Resident in Portugal
• • Age from 40 to 74 years
• • Have a recent diagnosis of CRC without initiating any treatment.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Age \< 40 years or ≥ 75 years
• • Unable to provide informed consent
• • Refusal to provide stool samples
• • Previous or current treatment for CRC
• • First-degree family history of CRC
• • Previous diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or indeterminate colitis), inflammatory bowel syndrome, recurrent infection by Clostridioides difficile
• • Pregnancy