Latitude - Lateral Lymph Node Attitude Study

Launched by SAHLGRENSKA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Mar 19, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Latitude study is looking at how to treat patients with advanced rectal cancer, specifically focusing on lymph nodes that might be affected by the tumor but are located outside the usual area that surgeons operate on. Some patients receive treatment before surgery, but there’s uncertainty about what to do if doctors still suspect these lymph nodes are affected. This study aims to figure out which lymph nodes should be removed during surgery and how this decision affects patients' cancer outcomes and their overall quality of life.

To participate in this trial, individuals need to be at least 18 years old and have a type of rectal cancer called adenocarcinoma, confirmed by a biopsy. They should have a tumor located a certain distance from the anal area and show evidence of lymph nodes that might be affected on imaging tests. Participants will need to provide written consent to join the study. This research is important because it could help doctors make better decisions about surgeries and improve the care and recovery of patients facing this challenging condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18 years or older
• • written informed consent
• • adenocarcinoma verified tumour below ≤ 8 cm from anal verge measured by rectoscopy and/or MRI
• • clinical tumor (cT) stage cT3, cT4a or cT4b on MRI or
• • adenocarcinoma verified tumour at any height ≤ 15 cm from anal verge measured by rectoscopy and/or MRI regardless of T/N stage with visible lateral lymph node (according to definition 2.4.2) on pre-therapeutic MRI or PET-CT
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Not biopsy confirmed rectal cancer (adenocarcinoma)
• • Recurrent rectal cancer
• • Age below 18
• • Participation in other trials in conflict with the protocol and end-points of the Latitude study
• • No informed consent