NCT06342401 · City of Hope Medical Center
Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Detection
(ENCODE)
What this study is about
Colorectal cancer (CRC) once predominantly affected older individuals, but in recent years has witnessed a progressive increase in incidence among young adults.
View original scientific description
Colorectal cancer (CRC) once predominantly affected older individuals, but in recent years has witnessed a progressive increase in incidence among young adults. Once rare, early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC, that is, a CRC diagnosed before the age of 50) now constitutes 10-15% of all newly diagnosed CRC cases and it stands as the first cause of cancer-related death in young men and the second for young women.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
ENCODE
A panel of microRNA, both cell-free and exosomes, whose expression level is tested from plasma samples from patients with early onset colorectal cancer and non-disease controls.
Primary outcome measures
Sensitivity
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
True Positive Rate: the probability of a positive test result, conditioned on the individual truly being positive
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Stage I, II, III, IV colorectal cancer (TNM classification, 8th edition) diagnosed before the age of 50 (EOCRC cases)
- Received standard diagnostic and staging procedures as per local guidelines, and at least one sample was drawn before receiving any curative-intent treatment
- Colonoscopy-proven cancer-free status at the time of study inclusion (Non-disease controls)
Exclusion criteria
- Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes (identified through genetic testing)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Lack of written informed consent
Where
- Duarte, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations