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Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC)NeocolonNCT07422974

Perioperative Outcomes After Neoadjuvant Therapy in Colorectal Cancer

An observational study of Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC) and Complications, run by Osijek University Hospital at 1 site in Croatia.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This prospective study investigates the effects of neoadjuvant therapy on endothelial function, microvascular tissue density, and tissue fibrosis in patients with colorectal cancer and their association with perioperative complications. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
What is being tested?
Skin and subcutaneous tissue sampling for histopathological analysis and Blood sampling for laboratory analyses before and after surgery
How many people
68 participants
Where
1 siteCroatia
Study dates
9 Jan 2026to 1 May 2027
How long will I take part?
2 Months
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: The study will include adult patients (≥18 years) with histologically confirmed colorectal cancer who are scheduled for elective surgery, laparoscopic or open. Both sexes will be included in the study. The study population includes patients who received neoadjuvant therapy (study group) and those who did not (control group).

Who may be able to join

  • Adults aged ≥18 years with histologically confirmed colorectal cancer
  • Planned surgical treatment for colorectal cancer (either laparoscopic LPSC or open laparotomy)
  • Ability to understand the study protocol and provide written informed consent.
  • Both sexes
  • ASA classification II or III
  • Patients who received neoadjuvant therapy is investigational group and patients who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy is control group

Who cannot join

  • Age <18 years
  • Patients who are not conscious, not oriented, or unable to provide informed consent
  • Patients unable to understand the study protocol
  • Emergency surgical cases
  • Patients on chronic corticosteroid therapy

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Josipa Glavas Tahtler, MD contact

00385959080119

glavasjosipa@yahoo.com

Croatia1 site, 1 recruiting
  • KBC Osijek

    Osijek, 31000

    Slavica Kvolik, Prof.PhD, 0038531511511, slavica.kvolik@gmail.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Croatia

About this study

Official title: The Impact of Neoadjuvant Therapy on Perioperative Complications and Treatment Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Resection

This prospective study investigates the effects of neoadjuvant therapy on endothelial function, microvascular tissue density, and tissue fibrosis in patients with colorectal cancer and their association with perioperative complications. The primary objective is to assess differences in microvascular tissue density between patients who received neoadjuvant therapy and those who did not, biomarkers, and demographic factors between patients who received neoadjuvant therapy and those who underwent surgery as initial treatment, and to compare clinical outcomes. The study will include 34 patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy and 34 patients for whom surgery is the first-line treatment. Patients will be followed until discharge from the hospital, and complications after discharge will be monitored through medical records one month after surgery.

Read the detailed description

The study hypothesis is that neoadjuvant therapy of colorectal cancer leads to endothelial dysfunction, reduced microvascular density, and tissue fibrosis, and therefore contributes to the occurrence of perioperative complications. The primary objective of the study is to assess the association between microvascular density and neoadjuvant therapy, identify differences in biomarkers and demographic factors between patients with neoadjuvant therapy and those without neoadjuvant therapy, and compare clinical outcomes between patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy and those who underwent surgery as initial treatment. Secondary objectives are to determine the association of microvascular density and fibrosis in surgical wound tissue with postoperative complications and wound healing complications, and identify differences in biomarkers between patients with and without perioperative complications.

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Osijek Clinical Hospital Center.

The study will include 34 consecutive patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery who received neoadjuvant therapy and 34 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy but whose first-line treatment is surgery. During the surgery, a skin and subcutaneous tissue sample will be taken for pathohistological analysis of microvascular density and tissue fibrosis, allowing for a more detailed assessment of microvascular changes associated with perioperative complications. It is planned to follow the patient from the surgery until the end of hospitalization, and data on post-discharge complications will be tracked through the medical history in the Hospital Information System one month after discharge from the hospital.

Being tested
Skin and subcutaneous tissue sampling for histopathological analysis, Blood sampling for laboratory analyses before and after surgery
Keywords
Colorectal Carcinoma, Neoadjuvant Therapy, Microvascular Density, Treatment Outcome, Wound Healing, Critical care
Medical subject headings
Colorectal Neoplasms

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Skin and subcutaneous tissue sampling for histopathological analysisProcedure or surgery

    During the operation, a sample of skin and subcutaneous tissue approximately 1 cm long and 2 mm wide will be taken from the surgical incision site. The sample will be taken from an area that has not previously been affected by radiotherapy and will not compromise patient safety.

    Histopathological analysis will be performed in the Clinical Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine. The degree of fibrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and the microvascular density of the skin tissue will be analyzed using the marker CD31 (PECAM-1).

  • Blood sampling for laboratory analyses before and after surgeryProcedure or surgery

    Before surgery, blood samples will be taken for laboratory analysis. The following parameters will be assessed: leukocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, urea, creatinine, blood glucose, potassium, AST, ALT, GGT, CRP, albumin, cholinesterase, IL-6, von Willebrand factor, and endothelin-1.

    Laboratory findings will be monitored 16 hours after surgery (leukocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, PV, fibrinogen, d-dimers, urea, creatinine, GUK, K, CRP, albumin, PCT, cholinesterase, IL-6) and before discharge from the hospital (leukocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, PV, urea, creatinine, GUK, K, CRP, albumin).

    Blood sampling will be conducted according to standard clinical protocols, ensuring patient safety and minimal discomfort.

Study groups in NCT07422974
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Patients who received neoadjuvant therapy.The study will include 34 consecutive patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery who received neoadjuvant therapy.
Receives: Procedure: Skin and subcutaneous tissue sampling for histopathological analysis; Procedure: Blood sampling for laboratory analyses before and after surgery
Patients who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy, control group.The control group will include 34 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery who have not received neoadjuvant therapy.
Receives: Procedure: Skin and subcutaneous tissue sampling for histopathological analysis; Procedure: Blood sampling for laboratory analyses before and after surgery

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Analysis of microvascular density

    Imunohistochemical analysis of skin and subcutaneous tissue samples to quantify microvascular density using CD31

    Measured: Assessed on tissue samples collected during surgery

  2. Degree of skin fibrosis

    Histopathological analysis of skin and subcutaneous tissue samples to quantify fibrosis

    Measured: Assessed on tissue samples collected during surgery

Secondary outcomes (6)
  1. von Willebrand factor

    Level of von Willebrand factor

    Measured: Once, before surgery

  2. Intraoperative hemodynamics

    Monitoring of hypotension during surgery

    Measured: During surgery

  3. Vasoactive drugs

    Need for the use of vasoactive drugs during surgery

    Measured: During surgery

  4. Blood transfusion during surgery

    Need for blood product transfusions

    Measured: During surgery

  5. Postoperative laboratory parameters

    Procalcitonin level

    Measured: 16 hours after surgery

  6. Postoperative laboratory parameters - CRP

    C-reactive protein level

    Measured: 16 hours after surgery

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted20 Feb 2026
  2. Study start9 Jan 2026
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 May 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
68 participants (estimated)
Target duration
2 Months
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07422974
Sponsor's protocol ID
CRC-NEO-001
Acronym
Neocolon
Status last verified
Jan 2026
First submitted
27 Jan 2026
Last updated
20 Feb 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: Sharing of individual participant data (IPD) may be limited due to participant privacy, regulatory requirements, or informed consent restrictions. Data access will only be granted if ethical and legal conditions allow.

Publications

  • Elawa S, Fredriksson I, Steinvall I, Zotterman J, Farnebo S, Tesselaar E. Skin perfusion and oxygen saturation after mastectomy and radiation therapy in breast cancer patients. Breast. 2024 Jun;75:103704. doi: 10.1016/j.breast.2024.103704. Epub 2024 Mar 6.

    PubMed 38460441
  • Afolabi H, Salleh SM, Zakaria Z, Ch'ng ES, Mohd Nafi SN, Abdul Aziz AAB, Al-Mhanna SB, Wada Y, Abdulrahman AS. The Prediction of Survival Outcome and Prognosis Factor in Association with Comorbidity Status in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Research-Based Study. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Sep 5;10(9):1693. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10091693.

    PubMed 36141305
  • Chen CC, Wu ML, Huang KC, Huang IP, Chung YL. The Effects of Neoadjuvant Treatment on the Tumor Microenvironment in Rectal Cancer: Implications for Immune Activation and Therapy Response. Clin Colorectal Cancer. 2020 Dec;19(4):e164-e180. doi: 10.1016/j.clcc.2020.04.002. Epub 2020 Apr 16.

    PubMed 32387305
  • Admasu FT, Dejenie TA, Ayehu GW, Zewde EA, Dessie G, Adugna DG, Enyew EF, Geto Z, Abebe EC. Evaluation of thromboembolic event, basic coagulation parameters, and associated factors in patients with colorectal cancer: a multicenter study. Front Oncol. 2023 May 2;13:1143122. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1143122. eCollection 2023.

    PubMed 37205202
  • Lee S, Huh SJ, Oh SY, Koh MS, Kim SH, Lee JH, Han JY, Choi HJ, Kim SJ, Kim HJ. Clinical significance of coagulation factors in operable colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett. 2017 Jun;13(6):4669-4674. doi: 10.3892/ol.2017.6058. Epub 2017 Apr 20.

    PubMed 28599468
  • Gamboa AC, Lee RM, Turgeon MK, Varlamos C, Regenbogen SE, Hrebinko KA, Holder-Murray J, Wiseman JT, Ejaz A, Feng MP, Hawkins AT, Bauer P, Silviera M, Maithel SK, Balch GC. Impact of Postoperative Complications on Oncologic Outcomes After Rectal Cancer Surgery: An Analysis of the US Rectal Cancer Consortium. Ann Surg Oncol. 2021 Mar;28(3):1712-1721. doi: 10.1245/s10434-020-08976-8. Epub 2020 Sep 23.

    PubMed 32968958
  • Hanna DN, Hawkins AT. Colorectal: Management of Postoperative Complications in Colorectal Surgery. Surg Clin North Am. 2021 Oct;101(5):717-729. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2021.05.016. Epub 2021 Jul 30.

    PubMed 34537139

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC) and Complications, run by Osijek University Hospital at 1 site in Croatia.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Croatia. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Josipa Glavas Tahtler, MD (00385959080119, glavasjosipa@yahoo.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Analysis of microvascular density (time frame: Assessed on tissue samples collected during surgery). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07422974, which also lists 7 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Feb 2026.

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