Clinical Trials
ACRIN National CT Colonography Trial
It is estimated that 147,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. This is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death in the United States. As most cancers develop from colon polyps, detection and removal of these polyps can prevent colon cancer.
Today, optical (traditional) colonoscopy is one of the standard screening exams to check for colorectal cancer. The goal of this trial, the National CT Colonography Trial, is to discover whether computed tomography (CT) colonography is as effective as optical colonoscopy in detecting polyps and cancer.
We are looking for more than 2,300 volunteers across North America to take part in the study. Participants will have a CT colonography (free of charge) in addition to a colonoscopy (billed to you or your insurance as usual).
You can learn more about the trial by going to the ACRIN web site and clicking the "Click here to play" link.
Who can be in this study?
You may be able to join this study if:
- you are a man or woman who is at least 50 years old, and
- you are already scheduled for a screening colonoscopy.
Who cannot be in this study?
You cannot join the study if:
- you have had a colonoscopy within the past five years, or
- you have symptoms such as pain in your lower abdomen, have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or have
- had a test that detected blood in your stool (also known as a fecal occult blood test).
What is a colonoscopy?
An optical colonoscopy involves inserting a long, flexible tube into the colon through which the doctor can see any polyps that are present and remove
them. The colonoscopy takes from 30 to 60 minutes and patients are usually sedated during the procedure.
What is a CT colonography (aka virtual colonoscopy)?
CT (computed tomography) colonography or "virtual colonoscopy” is a new type of x-ray exam that allows the doctor to see images of the inside of the colon using a computer without having to probe inside the body. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes.
How much time is required?
Participants will follow the colon cleaning directions required the day before the exams. Both exams will take place on the same day.
How are colonoscopy and CT colonography different?
- Both CT colonography and colonoscopy lets the doctor see inside the colon and rectum. CT colonography lets the doctor see other organs too.
- Colonoscopy involves inserting a long tube into the body. CT colonography uses x-rays to create images the colon. Only air enters the colon.
- The doctor will remove polyps or a tissue sample during your colonoscopy. This cannot be done during CT colonography.
- Colonoscopy usually requires sedation. CT colonography does not.
- CT colonography is less expensive than colonoscopy (CT colonography will be free to you for participating in the study).
What will happen if I join the study?
If you join, you will have a CT colonography before your scheduled colonoscopy. To get the best results from both tests, your colon must be empty and clean. The day before your tests, you will drink a small amount of barium with each meal (barium is a liquid that will help show any remaining stool in your colon). That night, you will need to limit your food intake and take a strong laxative. Also, you will drink two small glasses of a special contrast material the night before and the morning of your examination. You will have the CT colonography first and then the colonoscopy. You will need someone to drive you home afterward.
Who has endorsed this study?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has endorsed this study . ACS President Doctor Stephen F. Sener, M.D., stated, "By getting tested, you can prevent colon cancer altogether, or catch it at its earliest, most treatable stage. The American Cancer Society endorses the National CT Colonography Trial, and encourages you to participate and get tested."
Who is funding this study?
The National CT Colonography Trial is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and is coordinated by ACRIN an NCI Clinical Trials Cooperative Group. ACRIN is composed of investigators from over 100 academic and community-based medical facilities in the United States and abroad. Visit the ACRIN web site for more information.
Where will I go for the colonoscopy?
Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates (RMGA), a leader in gastroenterological care in the Denver area, is partnering with Invision Sally Jobe to provide optical colonoscopies for this trial. You will have your optical colonoscopy at their Aurora Endoscopy Center at 14272 East Evans Avenue or at Parker Adventist Hospital.
Who do I contact about the study?
For questions about the study goals
Contact the Site Principal Investigator, Richard Obregon, MD, at (720) 493-3374 or richard.obregon@riaco.com.
To participate
Contact the Site Research Coordinator, Catherine Mercer, RN, at (720) 493-3345 or catherine.mercer@riaco.com.
