RecruitingNCT06780423

Structural Characteristics of Trunk and Limb Muscles in Cachectic Colorectal Cancer Patients

Sponsor

Hasselt University

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Jan 23, 2022

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Colorectal, Cancer Cancer Cachexia

Summary

Until now, cancer is still associated with high morbidity and mortality, and is therefore a big issue for the public health. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in developed countries. In advanced colorectal cancer, 60% of these patients develop cachexia. The presence of cachexia plays an important role in the high mortality rate of cancer. Cachexia is characterized by involuntary weight loss with loss of skeletal muscle with or without loss of fat mass. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of taking muscle biopsies of cachectic colorectal cancer patients. Skeletal muscle characteristics will be compared between biopsies of the m. erector spinae and the m. vastus lateralis from cachectic colorectal cancer patients, non-cachectic colorectal cancer patients and healthy controls. 10 cachectic, 25 non-cachectic, and 25 healthy controls will be recruited for this study. It is an observational study, so measurements will be taken at one time point. Interventions/measurements: * muscle biopsies * blood samples * 3D freehand ultrasound * Short physical performance battery test * handgrip strength * questionnaires (activity pattern, quality of life)

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is examining how the trunk and limb muscles change structurally in people with colorectal cancer who are experiencing cancer-related muscle wasting (cachexia). By comparing cachectic patients to non-cachectic cancer patients, researchers hope to better understand muscle loss in cancer and find ways to improve physical function and quality of life. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 years of age or older - You have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer - You have lost more than 5% of your body weight unintentionally in the last 6 months, OR more than 2% with either low BMI or reduced muscle mass (for the cachectic group) - You do not have mental, physical, or language barriers to participation **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a mental or psychological condition preventing participation - You do not speak Dutch (sufficient to understand instructions) - You have muscle diseases affecting the spine or lower limbs unrelated to cancer - You are bedridden Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

PROCEDUREMinimal invasive fine needle muscle biopsies

Fine needle muscle biopsies will be taken from the m. erector spinae and the m. vastus lateralis. Participants are placed in a standardized prone position on the examination table for measurements of the m. erector spinae and in a supine position for measurements of the m. vastus lateralis.