ANCHOR V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Anorexia iN Cancer patients: assessment of the gut HORmone and cytokine profile and body composition, and the impact of dietetic support in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. (ANCHOR study)
IRAS ID
286840
Contact name
Alexandra Lewis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 2 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to prospectively investigate the outcomes of patients undergoing standard dietetics interventions alongside treatment for advanced upper gastrointestinal (stomach and gullet) cancers, and to further characterise the relationship of nutritional status, appetite loss (anorexia) and fitness with body composition and gut hormone production. Cancer anorexia is a common symptom, and weight loss is strong predictor of poor outcomes. However the mechanisms causing it are incompletely understood and limited effective treatments exist. In order to develop better treatments for anorexia it is important that we have a better understanding of underlying mechanisms.
All patients will be assessed as per standard of care on their first visit to the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, including measures of height, weight, strength and body composition, and questionnaires about appetite. They will receive the normal assessment and support from a dietician and we will follow up their responses to this and their outcomes.
A subgroup of patients will have some further tests including a more in-depth fitness assessment called a cardio-pulmonary exercise test (CPET), where participants cycle on a stationary bike whilst undergoing heart and oxygen level monitoring. For this sub-group study we would also seek a group of healthy volunteers to act as controls.
A further subgroup will be invited to an assessment of gut hormones and markers of inflammation after an overnight fast and in response to a set meal. We will also healthy volunteers to this assessment as comparators.
There is no direct benefit to enrolling in the study; equally risks are expected to be minimal.
The study will be conducted at The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; with some sample analysis performed at Manchester Metropolitan University. Study recruitment is aimed to commence in early 2021 with completion in around 48 months from primary data collection.REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0298
Date of REC Opinion
8 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion