LOTUS-CC: An Observational Research Study to Uncover Subtypes of Cancer Cachexia (NCT06073431) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
LOTUS-CC: An Observational Research Study to Uncover Subtypes of Cancer Cachexia
United States800 participantsStarted 2023-12-04
Plain-language summary
This study evaluates cancer-related weight and muscle mass loss, symptoms, and physical function (cachexia) in patients undergoing treatment for colorectal, lung, or pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable) or is stage IV. Patients with these cancer types are at risk for developing cancer cachexia (CC), which is defined as weight loss, muscle loss, and fat loss due to cancer. CC has been associated with reduced physical performance, impaired quality of life, and poorer survival. Many studies that have evaluated treatments for cancer-related weight and muscle loss have aimed to treat all patients with weight loss exactly the same and, unfortunately, have not been successful. Like different cancer types, weight and muscle loss related to cancer may have different causes in different individuals and the best treatment strategy for this condition may not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Information gathered from this study may help researchers develop new diagnostic criteria for CC and design better treatments and clinical trials for cancer-related weight and muscle loss in the future to improve the quality of life in patients with advanced colorectal, lung, or pancreatic cancer.
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:
* Have a primary diagnosis of unresectable or stage IV 1) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 2) pancreatic adenocarcinoma, or 3) colorectal cancer
* Note: Patients do not need to have cachexia to be eligible
* Plan to start first-line systemic anti-cancer therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, interventional clinical trial) in the next 6 weeks or has started first-line systemic therapy in the previous 6 weeks.
* NOTE: Patients who received systemic anti-cancer therapy previously as part of adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment and have since recurred are still eligible if such treatment ended \> 6 months prior to enrollment. Patients receiving concurrent radiation with systemic therapy or received local therapy alone (surgery, radiation therapy \[RT\]) prior to first line therapy remain eligible. Patients receiving maintenance treatment after first line therapy are not eligible
* Have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0, 1 or 2
* Be able to understand, speak and read English
* Be 18 years of age or older
Exclusion Criteria:
* Have contraindications to physical function assessments (30-second arm curl, Timed-Up-And-Go test, or 30-second chair-stand test) per the treating provider or their designee
* Have any planned major surgeries within the next 3 months
* Have received chemotherapy or surgery for separate primary cancer within the past 3 years other than early local staged non-melanoma skin cancer
*…
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.
What they're measuring
1
Identification of multiple distinct diagnostic subtypes within the syndrome of cancer cachexia (CC)
Timeframe: Baseline through study completion, assessed up to 1 year follow up