What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for colon cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Surgery involves the physical removal of the tumor, which is crucial for localized cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, while radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, specifically attack cancer cell proteins or genes. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for patients as it helps in selecting the most appropriate treatment based on the tumor's characteristics. High-resolution imaging modalities like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) are significant as they can accurately determine the depth of submucosal invasion, aiding in the decision between less invasive endoscopic procedures and more extensive surgical interventions.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for colon cancer, particularly those involving chemotherapy regimens such as oxaliplatin-based therapies (e.g., FOLFOX), are associated with several side effects. These include neuropathy, which can persist in some patients for years after treatment, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Hand-foot syndrome, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, is also frequently observed, especially with capecitabine. Additionally, patients may experience fatigue, stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), and partial alopecia (hair loss). Females tend to experience greater treatment-related toxicity, particularly severe neutropenia, compared to males.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several treatments for colon cancer, focusing on both early detection and therapeutic interventions. High-resolution imaging modalities like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) are being studied to improve diagnostic accuracy by determining the depth of submucosal invasion, which is crucial for deciding between endoscopic and surgical treatments. While specific FDA approvals for OCT in colon cancer are still under investigation, other approved treatments include chemotherapeutic agents like 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and targeted therapies such as bevacizumab and cetuximab. These treatments aim to manage tumor growth and improve patient outcomes.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for colon cancer patients include: 1) Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT), which offers noninvasive imaging of disease activity and inflammation, and 2) Advanced PET/CT imaging, which can detect small-volume metastatic disease and provide detailed staging information. Both modalities show potential for high diagnostic accuracy and noninvasive assessment.

← Back to Search

Imaging

OCT Imaging for Colorectal Cancer

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Vladimir Kushnir, M.D.

Research Sponsored by Washington University School of Medicine

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up within 5 minutes during standard of care colonoscopy - day 1 (average length 3:40 minutes (full range 1:54-8:20 minutes)

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial aims to test if a light-based imaging technique can better determine how deep colorectal cancer tumors have grown. It targets patients undergoing regular check-ups to improve treatment decisions. The technique works by creating detailed images of the colon's inner layers using reflected light.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals at least 40 years old who are undergoing a standard colonoscopy to check for colonic polyps. They must be able to understand and sign a consent form. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those unable to tolerate sedation, cannot participate.

What is being tested?

The study is testing the use of an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) probe during routine colonoscopies. The goal is to see if OCT can more accurately determine the depth of invasion by colonic tumors than current methods, which could influence treatment decisions.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves using an OCT probe during a standard colonoscopy procedure, side effects may include typical risks associated with endoscopic procedures such as discomfort, bleeding, or perforation.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ within 5 minutes during standard of care colonoscopy - day 1 (average length 3:40 minutes (full range 1:54-8:20 minutes)

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~within 5 minutes during standard of care colonoscopy - day 1 (average length 3:40 minutes (full range 1:54-8:20 minutes)

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and within 5 minutes during standard of care colonoscopy - day 1 (average length 3:40 minutes (full range 1:54-8:20 minutes) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Proportion of Participants Whose Procedure Length Using an OCT Probe During Routine Colonoscopy is Within 5 Minutes

Secondary study objectives

Cohen's Weighted Kappa Score

Number of Participants Who Have a Successfully Captured OCT Image Using Machine Learning Algorithm

Number of Participants With Adverse Events Related to OCT Imaging During Routine Colonoscopy

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) probeExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

After consent, the endoscopist will perform a standard of care colonoscopy. If a polyp is found, then OCT will be used to image that polyp. Patients with polyps, regardless of number found, will have either one tubular adenoma (NICE type 2) imaged OR one hyperplastic polyp (NICE type 1) imaged. If no polyps are found, then one area of normal mucosa will be imaged. If on the rare chance a malignant appearing colonic tumor (NICE type 3) is found, this and no other polyps will be imaged with OCT.

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for colon cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Surgery involves the physical removal of the tumor, which is crucial for localized cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, while radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, specifically attack cancer cell proteins or genes. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for patients as it helps in selecting the most appropriate treatment based on the tumor's characteristics. High-resolution imaging modalities like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) are significant as they can accurately determine the depth of submucosal invasion, aiding in the decision between less invasive endoscopic procedures and more extensive surgical interventions.

Fibre optic confocal imaging (FOCI) for subsurface microscopy of the colon in vivo.Real-time colorectal cancer diagnosis using PR-OCT with deep learning.Multimodal endoscopy for colorectal cancer detection by optical coherence tomography and near-infrared fluorescence imaging.