Actively Recruiting
Pathways, Risk Factors, and mOleculeS to Prevent Early-onset Colorectal Tumors
Led by Massachusetts General Hospital · Updated on 2026-02-27
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
91 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
N
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating the effects of tirzepatide, an incretin mimetic drug commonly used to manage diabetes and obesity, on biomarkers linked to colorectal cancer risk. This Phase 1 exploratory trial focuses on patients recently diagnosed with adenoma, a type of intestinal polyp that can lead to colorectal cancer. The study aims to understand how tirzepatide might prevent colorectal cancer and to explore a precision prevention approach for future larger studies. Participants will receive weekly injections of tirzepatide for up to 24 weeks, starting at 2.5 mg per week with dose increases every 4 weeks until reaching 15 mg or the highest tolerable dose. The treatment includes four clinical visits: an initial visit before starting the drug, a Week 1 visit, a midpoint visit around 9 to 12 weeks, and a final visit after completion. During the initial and final visits, participants undergo flexible sigmoidoscopy and provide various biological samples. The Week 1 and midpoint visits involve additional sample collections and body measurements. Throughout the study, researchers will collect stool, urine, blood, saliva, and tissue biopsy samples to measure changes in biomarkers related to colorectal cancer risk. Participants will be closely monitored weekly for adherence and safety. The primary outcome is the change in urinary PGE-M levels from enrollment to the end of treatment at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes include changes in plasma GDF-15. The total expected participation duration is about 24 weeks, with a possible short extension if necessary.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Pathways, Risk Factors, and mOleculeS to Prevent Early-onset Colorectal Tumors
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 50 years
- Body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 40 kg/m2
- Underwent a screening or surveillance colonoscopy within the past 9 months
- Removal of at least two colon or rectal adenomas or a single adenoma 6mm or larger during the last colonoscopy
- Ability to understand and willingness to sign informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Previous use of incretin mimetic therapies
- History of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome
- High risk of pancreatitis or contraindication to tirzepatide
- History of cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) within the past 3 years
- History of diabetes mellitus
- History of bowel surgery
- Hereditary cancer syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis
- History of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or colitis
- Incomplete or partial polypectomy during prior colonoscopy
- Pregnancy or potential pregnancy during the study without contraception counseling
AI-Screening
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Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 24 weeks, with possible extension of up to 4 weeks
Participants will self-inject tirzepatide once per week, starting with a 2.5mg dose and increasing every 4 weeks up to 15mg or maximum tolerated dose, for up to 24 weeks. Clinical research visits include collection of body measurements and biological samples as well as flexible sigmoidoscopies at the beginning and end of treatment.
4 clinical research visits: initial, Week 1, midpoint (9-12 weeks), and final visit; weekly follow-up for treatment monitoring
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Andrew T. Chan, MD, MPH
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
1
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