Active clinical trials for "Colonic Neoplasms"

To determine if random biopsies can be safely eliminated from screening of average risk persons with IBD, the investigators propose to carry out a pilot randomized control trial in which targeted biopsies in combination with random biopsies will be compared to targeted biopsies alone in terms of pre-cancerous lesion capture rate, side-effects and CRC risk. The pilot study will aim to capture 20% of the overall study population in order to evaluate the feasibility of recruiting the needed number of participants in the specified time frame, while maintaining high quality of data collection.

Hernia formation at sites of ostomy closure is a common complication. The investigator believes that using evidence based hernia repair techniques as a preventive measure during closure of ostomies will reduce the incidence of hernia formation. In this trial, the investigator will pilot a novel technique of large pore monofilament polypropylene mesh reinforcement of the abdominal wall defects that remain after closure of an ileostomy to evaluate for safety and begin to evaluate the effectiveness compared to standard techniques.

Colonoscopy is one of the most common methods for the diagnosis and treatment of lower gastrointestinal tract diseases and provides a unique opportunity to identify early neoplastic lesions. Adequate bowel preparation is important for optimal colonoscopy. New bowel-cleansing regimens, study of patient-related risk factors to fail a proper preparation and diet adaptations have been studied recently. A low residue diet is the standard in the day before the colonoscopy. Some endoscopists prescribe this dietary plan for a 3-day period prior to the exam, although no study compared the recommended 1-day versus 3-day diet regime, or the influence in bowel preparation results. The aim of this project is to determine if the use of a 3-day low residue diet improves bowel preparations results and the influence in patient tolerability and adherence.

Uptake of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is suboptimal in the San Francisco Health Network and access to care may be limited so novel models of health care delivery are warranted. The objective of this study is to examine whether a centralized panel management model with mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) will be effective at increasing the uptake of CRC screening and could be developed and sustained within the typical parameters of cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses.

This pilot study is a 3-arm randomized control trial assessing the effectiveness of sequential or active choice in CRC (colorectal cancer) screening outreach vs. colonoscopy outreach only, in patients between 50-74 years old, who have received care at the University City or Valley Forge CCA (Community Care Associates) practices, are due for screening, and are asymptomatic for CRC. The three arms are: Arm 1: Direct schedule colonoscopy (Control), Arm 2: Direct schedule colonoscopy followed by mailed FIT(Fecal Immunochemical Test) (Sequential Choice), and Arm 3: Choice of direct schedule colonoscopy or mailed FIT (Active Choice).

Cancer in the colon and rectum represents a global health burden being the most common cancer of the digestive tract. It is the second most common cancer in Denmark and only about half of the patients survive this diagnosis. Thorough characterization of the tumour preoperatively is very important, since it determines if the patient should be treated with chemotherapy before operation and, in the future, which operation would be most suitable for the patient. Research has shown that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is superior to a CT-scan, in determining the local growth of the tumour in rectal cancer. Today, a CT-scan is the image modality of choice, and is used in all Danish hospitals when it comes to colon cancer. Hopefully, the investigators can apply EUS in colon cancer patients and thereby alter our diagnostic approach, towards a quicker and safer way to determine which treatment the investigators should offer the patient. With the screening programme for colorectal cancer in Denmark the investigators will find more and more cases of colorectal cancers, especially in the early stages, before symptoms begin. These small tumours put doctors in several dilemmas concerning the strategy of treatment. Even today, the investigators are very reluctant in offering large-scale operations to elderly and fragile patients who have been diagnosed with cancer in the rectum. Instead, local endoscopic operations are performed in selected patients. This approach has not yet been tried in early colonic cancers. However, it might turn out that local, endoscopic surgery will show to be beneficial for patients with colon cancers and maybe even decrease morbidity, mortality and the regenerative period after surgery. The aim of this PhD-project is to investigate the utility of the EUS-method in characterizing tumours in the colon and in investigating the blood flow in the tumour.

This phase II clinical trial is studying how well giving combination chemotherapy and bevacizumab with or without RO4929097 works in treating patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as oxaliplatin, leucovorin calcium, and fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Monoclonal antibodies, such as bevacizumab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. RO4929097 may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. It is not yet known whether combination chemotherapy and bevacizumab is more effective with RO4929097 in treating patients with colorectal cancer.

Fifty thousand people die from colorectal cancer (CRC) every year, making it the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. And although there are multiple screening tests that reduce the morbidity and mortality of this disease, less than 60% of eligible individuals are up to date with recommended screening. One of the challenges to improving screening is helping patients understand the range of approved tests, including colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool testing (such as fecal immunochemical testing (FIT)). Patients rarely consider all their options, partly due to the limited time they have to learn about them during busy doctor's visits. Computer-based presentations, including decision aids, are a promising tool for improving patient understanding in this and other areas, by giving patients significant amounts of information. But there are important questions about how to design such presentations, including whether they should provide quantitative data about the risks and benefits of screening. Some experts feel that these numbers and graphs are necessary for fully informed decision-making, while others are concerned that they may confuse patients or dissuade them from screening. The investigators have created and pilot tested a computer-based presentation of quantitative information about CRC screening. The investigators found that subjects who viewed the program in a non-healthcare setting exhibited significantly increased interest in screening. In addition, the investigators tested a version of the program that includes a "nudge" towards stool testing with FIT, as a way of encouraging individuals who are confused to undergo some form of screening. In our testing, receiving the nudge was associated with a significant increase in interest in FIT. The investigators now seek to conduct a randomized, controlled study of our computer-based presentation with Clarian patients who are due for CRC screening. All subjects will first view a general video about CRC screening and then will be randomly placed into four groups (using a 2x2 design), to receive quantitative information (or not), and a nudge towards FIT (or not). The results will determine whether a presentation of quantitative information can increase patient understanding, quality of decision-making, and uptake of CRC screening. The results will serve as pilot data for a larger, externally funded study of the effect of individualized ("personalized") quantitative information in this area

Ideally, the postoperative inflammatory response is part of a well-orchestrated mechanism that contributes to tissue healing and rapid recovery. An exaggerated uncontrolled inflammatory response, however may lead to catabolism, tissue damage and organ failure. Omega-3 fatty acids may provide a means to alter cellular immune responses to the benefit of the patient. When omega-3 fatty acids are incorporated into membranes of inflammatory cells, they trigger intracellular signalling pathways that result in a less pro-inflammatory response. They modify gene and protein expression, modulate membrane protein activity and act as a reservoir for bioactive molecules. They also have a strong anti-inflammatory effect by mediating resolution of the inflammation. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids improve erythrocyte function, which is vital for an adequate microcirculation, tissue oxygenation and wound healing. The investigators hypothesize that the perioperative administration of intravenous omega-3 fatty acids results in a rapid incorporation in immune cells and erythrocytes, thereby reducing the postoperative inflammatory response and improving erythrocyte function in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

This phase II trial studies how long it takes colorectal cancer resistant to standard treatment to grow while receiving treatment with ziv-aflibercept, and how well adding fluorouracil and leucovorin calcium to ziv-aflibercept works in treating patients with stage IV colorectal cancer after they progress on ziv-aflibercept alone. Ziv-aflibercept may stop the growth of colorectal cancer by blocking the formation of tumor blood vessels. Fluorouracil and leucovorin calcium are drugs used in chemotherapy. Fluorouracil works to stop the growth of tumors cells by preventing the cells from growing and dividing. Leucovorin calcium helps fluorouracil work better. Adding fluorouracil and leucovorin calcium to ziv-aflibercept may be an effective treatment for patients who progress on ziv-aflibercept alone.