Short-Term Nutritional Enhancement Combined With Health Education in Postoperative Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Summary

This clinical study aims to evaluate whether short-term personalized nutritional support, when combined with structured health education, can improve nutritional status, quality of life, and clinical outcomes in patients who have undergone surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and many patients experience malnutrition and poor physical condition during treatment, which can negatively affect recovery and long-term survival.

In this multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial, approximately 360 postoperative CRC patients will be enrolled and randomly assigned to one of four groups: (A) nutritional enhancement combined with health education, (B) health education alone, (C) nutritional enhancement alone, or (D) standard care (control group). Nutritional support will include individualized diet counseling and oral nutritional supplements tailored to each patient's needs. Health education will be delivered using an "Internet Plus" approach, including weekly educational videos and expert consultations focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and mental health.

The primary objectives are to determine whether these interventions can improve patients' short-term nutritional status and quality of life. Secondary outcomes include the impact of interventions on long-term survival, treatment-related side effects, patient adherence to nutrition recommendations, and psychological well-being.

This study will also investigate the biological mechanisms underlying the clinical effects by analyzing changes in the gut microbiome, blood-based metabolic profiles, and immune responses. Blood, stool, and tumor tissue samples will be collected and analyzed using advanced techniques, including untargeted metabolomics, metagenomics, and single-cell sequencing.

This trial is designed to provide evidence for the integration of nutritional strategies into routine cancer care, and to guide the development of more personalized, effective nutrition-based therapies for colorectal cancer patients. Participants will be followed for up to annually up to 5 years to evaluate both clinical outcomes and biological markers of response.

Conditions

• Colorectal Cancer (Diagnosis)
• Malnutrition or Risk of Malnutrition

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Personalized Oral Nutritional Supplementation

Participants receive individualized oral nutritional supplementation based on energy and protein requirements, calculated using the Harris-Benedict equation and body weight (1.2-1.5 g protein/kg/day). The supplement may include complete nutrition powder, whey protein powder, and compound multivitamins. The intervention is prescribed and monitored by a clinical nutrition team and adjusted every 3 days during the 14-day intervention phase. The goal is to ensure both energy and protein intake targets are met. Supplements are administered in addition to standard meals.

DRUG

Personalized Parenteral Nutritional Supplementation

For participants unable to meet nutritional goals through oral intake, parenteral nutrition is administered intravenously. The formulation includes amino acids, glucose, lipids, electrolytes, trace elements, and vitamins. Dosages are aligned with those of the enteral nutrition group, ensuring a consistent intake of energy and protein (1.2-1.5 g/kg/day protein). Formulation and administration follow standardized hospital protocols and are supervised by the nutrition support team.

BEHAVIORAL

Structured Nutrition-Focused Health Education

Participants receive structured health education focused on nutrition, physical activity, and psychological well-being. The education is delivered over 14 days using a digital "Internet Plus" platform, featuring weekly videos, interactive Q\&A sessions, and guidance from a multidisciplinary nutrition support team. Educational content covers dietary recommendations, exercise safety, stress management, and post-treatment recovery strategies. Materials are updated weekly, and participants may access them remotely via smartphone or tablet. This intervention aims to improve nutrition knowledge, adherence, and health behavior change.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Xiaoqin Luo

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-10-10

Primary Completion

2029-10-10

Completion

2030-10-10

Countries

• China

Study Locations