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Recruiting NCT06976710

NCT06976710 PRIORITY-CONNECT 2 Trial

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT06976710
Status Recruiting
Phase
Sponsor Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe)
Condition Colorectal Cancer
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 564 participants
Start Date 2025-10-15
Primary Completion 2028-07-30

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age N/A
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
Preoperative ExercisePostoperative ExercisePreoperative Nutrition

Eligibility Fast-Check

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What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

This trial targets 564 participants in total. It began in 2025-10-15 with a primary completion date of 2028-07-30.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

Objectives: The primary aim of this project is to establish the effectiveness of an individualised stepped, multidisciplinary intervention, including education and peer support group, delivered via a virtual multimodal (p)rehabilitation hub, in reducing postoperative complications within 30-days following colorectal cancer surgery, compared to usual care alone. The secondary aims will be to obtain data on the likely difference in key outcomes including: (i) Quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29) (ii) Number of days at home within 30, 90 and 365 days after surgery (DAH-30, 90, 365) (iii) Quality of recovery (QoR-15) (iv) Cost-effectiveness (v) Implementation metrics (RE-AIM) Our hypothesis is that the PRIORITY-CONNECT 2 intervention will be more effective in reducing postoperative complications and more cost-effective than usual care. Study design: Pragmatic Randomised Type I Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Trial. Planned sample size: To achieve the primary aim, 564 participants will provide 90% power to detect a 15% difference in 30-day postoperative complication rates between the intervention and control groups. The sample size calculation accounts for up to 10% loss to follow-up, 5% non-compliance and a two-side alpha of 0.05. Selection criteria: A sample of 564 participants undergoing colorectal cancer surgery including open, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery (mostly, anterior resection, sigmoid colectomy, hemicolectomy, total proctocolectomy, subtotal colectomy, total colectomy) at sites throughout Australia will be included. These are common colorectal cancer surgeries performed at the participating centres. All the surgeons involved in this study have clinical appointments in their respective hospitals. Inclusion: Adults aged ≥18 years undergoing elective major surgery for colon or rectal cancer with curative intent; and consulting a colorectal surgeon at least 1 week prior to scheduled surgery. Exclusion: Patients undergoing Pelvic Exenteration (PE), Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with or without HIPEC, or concurrent surgery for metastatic disease; or cognitive impairment such that they are unable to provide informed consent. Study Procedure: Participant's treating team will screen and provide an information sheet about the trial to consecutive patients. Interested patients will be contacted by a study researcher to discuss the trial further, answer any questions, confirm eligibility against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and consent patients. Consenting patients will undergo baseline assessment and be randomised to a virtual multimodal hub (Intervention group) or usual care alone (Control group). The intervention will include the delivery of usual care and evidence-based exercise, nutritional, psychological and nursing interventions, and / or group-delivered peer support. All interventions will be conducted before and after surgery. Duration of the Study: Approximately 60 months. Funding: Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) 2023 Early and Mid-Career Researchers (Application ID: 2031563). Sponsor: The University of Sydney.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged ≥18 years undergoing elective major surgery for colon or rectal cancer with curative intent * Consulting with a colorectal cancer surgeon at least 1 week prior to scheduled surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing Pelvic Exenteration (PE), Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with or without HIPEC, or concurrent surgery for metastatic disease * Cognitive impairment such that they are unable to provide informed consent

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Daniel Steffens, PhD

✉ Daniel.Steffens@health.nsw.gov.au

📞 +61 02 9515 3203

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT06976710 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Colorectal Cancer. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

Is NCT06976710 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT06976710 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at Daniel.Steffens@health.nsw.gov.au for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT06976710 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Coffs Harbour, Australia, Newcastle, Australia, Newcastle, Australia, Sydney, Australia and 11 additional locations.

Who is sponsoring the NCT06976710 clinical trial?

NCT06976710 is sponsored by Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe). The trial plans to enroll 564 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: July 2026  ·  Data Methodology