ATARC V3.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A retrospective pilot cohort study to determine adverse tumour features in patients with locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer
IRAS ID
288105
Contact name
John (Ian) T Jenkins
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Despite undergoing “curative” surgery for rectal cancer (RC) up to 20% of patients will develop recurrence of their cancer either within their pelvis or by secondary spread to other organs. Surgical treatment of recurrent rectal cancer often requires extensive surgery and despite this, long term survival may only be 25-50% at five years. There is limited understanding about the tumour biology of advanced RC and its interactions with the immune system however, earlier research has suggested potential features that may help identify those tumours which are more aggressive and likely to recur. By investigating these features further in tumour specimens and comparing them with long term outcomes we could identify specific risk factors for recurrence. Key features that suggest a tumour is particularly aggressive if identified would enable the delivery of targeted, individualised care with surgical and oncology treatment, enhanced surveillance and better counselling of risk for patients.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/EE/0058
Date of REC Opinion
9 Mar 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion