Long-term outcome from the EnROL trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Long-term outcomes from the Enhanced Recovery Open or Laparoscopic (EnROL) trial of conventional versus laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer
IRAS ID
174624
Contact name
Robin Kennedy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London North West Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
a)Problem addressed
Colorectal cancer (CRC) research has usually focused on the biology of a tumour, whereas the importance of tumour host - the patient - has been largely disregarded. We believe that body composition and especially preoperative muscle mass, plays an important role in how well patients recover after surgery and also influences their longer-term cancer outcome.b)Methods used
We will use data from a recently completed clinical trial, which compares recovery after removal of bowel cancer either using a keyhole (laparoscopic) approach, or a conventional open approach to surgery - both types of surgery being optimised within a perioperative care programme known as enhanced recovery. We will study whether variations in short-term recovery and also later cancer outcomes are associated with lack of muscle mass as measured from preoperative computerised tomography (CT) scans. CT-based assessment of muscle mass is readily available in patients with CRC as CT scanning is routine preoperatively. We will examine whether results vary depending on whether laparoscopic or traditional open surgery is used.c)Hoped for results of this research
We hope to show that quantification of muscle mass through CT imaging may be associated with multiple clinically relevant outcomes. Patients undergoing surgery for CRC with low muscle mass may be at greater risk of postoperative complications, prolonged postoperative recovery, problems with chemotherapy, hernia development and cancer recurrence. It may also be possible that laparoscopic surgery reduces some of these negative outcomes.d)Outcomes if the research is successful
If it is identified that reduced muscle mass is associated with adverse clinical outcomes after bowel cancer resection, this is likely to confer multiple benefits to both cancer patients and the National Health Service. It is possible that adverse outcomes after surgery, which are dependent upon body composition, may be modifiable using exercise interventions, nutritional support, novel metabolic agents and the type of surgery.REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0501
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion