NCT04091620

Brief Summary

Background: Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer is technically challenging because of the confined space within the pelvis. The robotic surgical system is recently introduced to overcome the limitations of laparoscopy in terms of visualization and maneuverability, but robotic surgery is expensive. Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is an emerging surgical approach that allows dissection of the most difficult part of the TME plane deep down in the pelvis using a less costly transanal platform. To date, no randomized controlled trial can be found in the literature comparing TaTME and robotic TME. Objectives: To compare the pathologic outcomes, functional outcomes, and costs between TaTME and robotic TME for mid or low rectal cancer. Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled, superiority trial. Subjects: One hundred and eight consecutive patients who are clinically diagnosed with cT1-3, N0-2, M0 rectal cancer located within 12 cm of the anal verge who do not require abdominoperineal resection will be recruited. Interventions: Patients will be randomly allocated to undergo either TaTME or robotic TME. Outcome measures: Primary outcome: composite pathologic endpoint (complete TME, clear circumferential and distal resection margins). Secondary outcomes: conversion rate, postoperative recovery, morbidity, health-related quality of life, urosexual function, and costs. Hypothesis: Results of the present study can provide evidence-based clarification of the efficacy and safety of TaTME for patients with mid and low rectal cancer. The results of this proposed project may have a significant impact on the future treatment strategy for mid and low rectal cancer.

Trial Health

43
At Risk

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Trial has exceeded expected completion date
Enrollment
108

participants targeted

Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Oct 2019

Typical duration for not_applicable

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
unknown

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

September 14, 2019

Completed
3 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

September 17, 2019

Completed
14 days until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

October 1, 2019

Completed
3 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

October 1, 2022

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

October 1, 2022

Completed
Last Updated

October 4, 2019

Status Verified

September 1, 2019

Enrollment Period

3 years

First QC Date

September 14, 2019

Last Update Submit

October 2, 2019

Conditions

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • Incidence rate of achieving a composite of pathologic endpoint indicating adequate surgical resection

    Achieving a composite pathologic endpoint or a successful resection is defined as meeting all the following criteria: (1) complete total mesorectal excision, (2) clear circumferential resection margin (\>1 mm), and (3) clear distal resection margin (\> 1mm).

    Up to 1 month

Secondary Outcomes (14)

  • Rate of conversion

    Up to 1 month

  • Time to defecation

    Up to 1 month

  • Time to resume full solid diet

    Up to 1 month

  • Time to walk independently

    Up to 1 month

  • Length of hospital stay

    Up to 1 month

  • +9 more secondary outcomes

Study Arms (2)

Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision

EXPERIMENTAL

For transanal total mesorectal excision, a two team approach will be adopted. One surgical team will be performing the abdominal phase dissection using standard laparoscopic approach, while the other will be simultaneously performing the transanal dissection and total mesorectal excision in a 'down-to-up' fashion using laparoscopic instruments.

Procedure: Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision

Robotic Total Mesorectal Excision

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

For robotic total mesorectal excision, a fully robotic approach will be adopted. Left-sided colonic mobilization, division of lymphovascular pedicle, and 'top-to-down' total mesorectal excision will be performed using the robotic platform.

Procedure: Robotic Total Mesorectal Excision

Interventions

As above

Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision

As above

Robotic Total Mesorectal Excision

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years+
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • Consecutive patients who are diagnosed with mid or low rectal adenocarcinoma, of which the lowest margin of the tumor is located at or within 12 cm of the anal verge as determined by rigid sigmoidoscopy
  • Those with clinically diagnosed cT1-3, N0-2, M0 disease based on preoperative staging with pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and/or positron emission tomography
  • Age of patients greater than or equal to 18 years
  • Those with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grading I-III,
  • Informed consent available

You may not qualify if:

  • Patients with locally advanced cancer not amenable to curative surgery (e.g. involved mesorectal fascia on pelvic magnetic imaging despite neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy)
  • Those with locally advanced T4 cancer requiring en bloc multivisceral resection
  • Those with very low rectal tumor requiring abdominoperineal resection
  • Those with synchronous colorectal tumors requiring multisegment resection
  • Those undergoing emergency surgery
  • Those with previous history of abdominal surgery precluding the robotic or laparoscopic approach;
  • Those with severe cardiopulmonary disease rendering pneumoperitoneum hazardous
  • Those with psychiatric disease
  • Those who are pregnant

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong, China

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Rectal Neoplasms

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Colorectal NeoplasmsIntestinal NeoplasmsGastrointestinal NeoplasmsDigestive System NeoplasmsNeoplasms by SiteNeoplasmsDigestive System DiseasesGastrointestinal DiseasesIntestinal DiseasesRectal Diseases

Study Officials

  • Simon SM Ng, MD

    Chinese University of Hong Kong

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Who Masked
OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Professor

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

September 14, 2019

First Posted

September 17, 2019

Study Start

October 1, 2019

Primary Completion

October 1, 2022

Study Completion

October 1, 2022

Last Updated

October 4, 2019

Record last verified: 2019-09

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Locations