Colon CTC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An observational study to compare the utilisation of CT colonography with optical colonoscopy as the first diagnostic imaging tool in patients with suspected colorectal cancer.
IRAS ID
195286
Contact name
Nyree Griffin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's & St Thomas' Foundation NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 1 months, 0 days
Research summary
Colorectal Cancer (CRC) includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. According to NICE CG131, CRC is the third most common cancer in the UK (after breast and lung) and the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, only surpassed by lung cancer (NICE 2011).
The epidemiology of CRC, with increasing prevalence rates, is expected to keep changing the current paradigm of diagnosis and treatment of CRC patients. Furthermore, given the recent change in the NICE guidance for the suspected cancer pathway referral for suspected colorectal cancer (See NG12), there will be an increase in the number of patients referred for an imaging investigation, particularly colonoscopy. In a context of healthcare spending cuts, it is important to consider the increasing patients’ needs alongside the NHS financial constraints. Hence, this study will investigate the expansion of Computed Tomography Colonography (CTC) as a direct alternative to colonoscopy for a specific group of patients.
The present study is an observational study that primarily aims to investigate whether the use of CTC will decrease overall NHS costs compared to clinical practice with colonoscopy as the initial imaging exam. Secondary outcomes also include clinical outcomes (e.g. disease severity), patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness associated with both clinical pathways. For the purposes of the study, all patients will be followed-up for a period of 12 months after the initial bowel test at secondary care. It is important to highlight that no change to current clinical practice is considered as this study aims to investigate two existing clinical pathways. This study will generate high-quality UK-based evidence that might support the management of suspected CRC within the NHS.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0143
Date of REC Opinion
4 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion