EPA for Metastasis Trial 2 (NCT03428477) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingPhase 3
EPA for Metastasis Trial 2
United Kingdom418 participantsStarted 2018-05-02
Plain-language summary
A significant proportion of patients who undergo liver surgery to remove bowel cancer that has spread to the liver (metastases) develop disease recurrence and die from the disease. A previous small study (the EMT study) suggested a possible survival benefit in patients who took the naturally-occurring omega-3 fatty acid EPA (a fish oil supplement) before liver surgery. The EMT2 study is a larger study which will recruit 448 men and women with liver metastases from bowel cancer. Trial participants will receive either Icosapent Ethyl (pure EPA derived from fish oil) or placebo (dummy capsules). EMT2 will investigate whether patients who take this supplement before liver surgery and for up to four years after surgery, remain free of recurrence for longer than those who take placebo (dummy capsules)
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged ≥ 18 years
* Able to provide written informed consent
* Histological diagnosis of colorectal cancer with evidence of liver metastases
* Planned liver resection surgery for colorectal cancer liver metastases with curative intent, including repeat 're-do' colorectal cancer liver metastases surgery (a second independent resection for a separate colorectal cancer liver recurrence)
* Intention to receive IMP prior to colorectal cancer liver metastases surgery
Exclusion Criteria:
* Previous CRCLM surgery for the management of the current metastatic disease
* Incurable extra-hepatic metastases
* Current (in the last 2 months) or planned regular (\>3 doses per week) use of O3FA-containing drugs or supplements, including Vazkepa®, Omacor®, fish oil and cod-liver oil supplements
* Fish/seafood allergy
* Diagnosis of hereditary fructose intolerance
* Soya or peanut allergy
* Inability to comply with trial treatment and follow-up schedule
* Known bleeding tendency/condition (e.g. von Willebrand disease)
* A previous malignancy within the last 5 years other than:
* colorectal cancer
* non-melanoma skin cancer where treatment consisted of resection only or radiotherapy
* ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) where treatment consisted of resection only
* cervical carcinoma in situ where treatment consisted of resection only
* superficial bladder carcinoma where treatment consisted of resection only
* A previous malignancy where the patient has been disease…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.