Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Colorectal Cancer Amid Abnormal Lipid Metabolism

The Establishment of a Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention System for Colorectal Cancer Under the Background of Abnormal Lipid Metabolism in Digitalization

This research project investigates the interplay between lipid metabolism, inflammation, and colorectal cancer (CRC). We are building a comprehensive database of CRC patients, incorporating clinical data, body composition measurements, imaging findings, and biomarkers related to lipid metabolism and inflammation. Our goal is to identify how these factors contribute to CRC development, progression, and perioperative outcomes. Ultimately, we aim to develop a digital, personalized "three-tier prevention" strategy encompassing early risk prediction, targeted interventions, and comprehensive rehabilitation for improved CRC patient care.

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Colorectal Cancer
• Intervention / Treatment: Procedure: Colorectal cancer procedures

Detailed Description

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies worldwide, accounting for approximately 8% of all cancer cases [1]. Numerous epidemiological studies have identified obesity as a risk factor for CRC [2]. Abnormal fat distribution and lipid metabolism dysregulation contribute to a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state and increased oxidative stress, potentially triggering mutations, carcinogenesis, and tumor cell proliferation [3]. Research suggests that adipose tissue and its associated inflammatory factors may play a key role in the obesity-cancer link.

Regarding fat distribution, visceral adipose tissue exhibits higher metabolic activity compared to subcutaneous fat [4]. Excess visceral fat promotes insulin resistance and inflammatory pathways [5], potentially increasing CRC risk. Abnormal visceral fat distribution is also associated with postoperative complications, survival time, and the efficacy of adjuvant therapy in CRC patients [6]. Furthermore, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), potentially representing a specific type or hepatic manifestation of abnormal fat distribution, is considered a risk factor for CRC.

Our research group previously conducted a retrospective study involving 93 patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery (including CRC). We found that, compared to the group without perioperative weight loss, patients experiencing perioperative weight loss exhibited decreased serum albumin, elevated blood glucose, and elevated serum cholesterol. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that serum cholesterol was a risk factor for perioperative weight loss, showing a positive correlation.

Currently, we are conducting a small-scale study specifically focusing on CRC patients. By collecting perioperative data, including body composition, fat distribution, BMI, abdominal CT scans, inflammatory markers, and obesity-related indices, we aim to elucidate the roles of lipid metabolism, fat distribution, and related inflammatory factors in the development and progression of CRC, as well as their impact on perioperative adverse clinical outcomes. We have obtained promising preliminary results, establishing a foundation for digitizing our overall research findings.

This project aims to establish a research system correlating lipid metabolism, inflammation, and CRC. A CRC patient lipid metabolism database will serve as a platform to expand our previous study's sample size. By integrating and analyzing data from this platform, we will develop a digital, visualized "three-tier prevention" network for CRC, integrating a "digital vaccine" (predictive screening model), "digital drug" (intervention model targeting associated pathogenic mechanisms), and "digital rehabilitation" (preventive system combining early warning and treatment).

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 1000

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Age 20-80 years, confirmed CRC diagnosis

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 20-80 years, confirmed CRC diagnosis, consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <20 or >80 years; inability to perform activities of daily living; presence of infectious diseases; lack of communication and cognitive abilities; refusal to participate in the study.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
Observation; Colorectal cancer patients after surgery	Procedure: Colorectal cancer procedures; Procedures

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Abdominal CT L3 level adipose tissue surface	Abdominal CT L3 level adipose tissue surface	Preoperatively
Abdominal CT L3 level skeletal muscle surface		Preoperatively

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Time Frame
Overall Survival	3 years
Progression Free Survival	3 years
Disease Free Survival	3 years
Tumor TNM stage	immediately after the procedure
Hand grip strength	Preoperatively; Postoperatively Day 1,3,5,7
Waist Circumference	Preoperatively
Calf Circumference	Preoperatively; Postoperatively Day 1 3 5 7

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Tianjin Union Medical Center
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Jing Xu, PhD, Tianjin Union Medical Center

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): January 1, 2017
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2028
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2028

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 3, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 19, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 19, 2025
• Last Verified: March 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Colorectal Cancer; Lipid Metabolism
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Neoplasms by Site; Neoplasms; Intestinal Diseases; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Digestive System Neoplasms; Digestive System Diseases; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Intestinal Neoplasms; Rectal Diseases; Colonic Diseases; Colorectal Neoplasms
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2023C03

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No