Abstract 1919: Baseline characteristics of colorectal cancer patients enrolled in the colorectal cancer outcomes, prognosis and epidemiology cohort (The COPE) study
Authors: Siegel Erin M. , Fulton Ariel , Riggs Bridget , Shibata David , Eschrich Steven , Sellers Thomas 
Published: July 2012

Background: Obesity is a public health problem and an increasing number of colorectal cancer patients will be obese. The impact of obesity on the efficacy of colorectal cancer treatment and patient outcomes has only recently been elucidated. However, evidence is lacking on the mechanism linking obesity to poor outcomes among colorectal cancer patients. There are emerging data to suggest that the underlying mechanism for this association is mediated in part by hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, via the insulin-insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis, and modulated in part by adiponectin. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the Colorectal Cancer Outcomes, Prognosis and Epidemiology Study will elucidate the biological effects of elevated insulin and IGF-factors on tumor gene expression and their impact on quality of life.

Objective: The objectives of this presentation are to present the study design and baseline characterize of colorectal cancer participants enrolled to date in the COPE study.

Methods: We are establishing a cohort of 350 colorectal cancer patients identified at the Moffitt Cancer Center. All patients will be followed at regular intervals to obtain data on health outcomes, health behaviors, symptoms, and quality of life, and blood draws will occur at (∼6 and 12 months post-enrollment). An electronic intake form collected use of dietary supplements and of medications (including multivitamins, folate, and NSAIDs, with type and frequency); smoking, and a brief assessment of physical activity at baseline. BMI, waist and hip measures are taken at each visit. The assessment of quality of life and symptoms will be based on validated standard instruments (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30) administered at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 month follow-up time points, with slight adaptations in timing for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Results: Overall, a total of seventy five colorectal cancer patients have been enrolled. Among these patients, 60% have colon cancer and 40% were diagnosed with rectal cancer. A majority of the patients were married with some higher education. Sixty percent of the participants were female. There was an equal distribution of cases enrolled across stages I – III, with very few stage IV patients. A full characterization of the cohort will be presented. Conclusion: Overall, the COPE study is designed to recruit a hospital based cohort of colorectal cancer cases to evaluate the association between body size, insulin/IGF and colorectal cancer outcomes. We have successfully recruited and followed patients over a twelve month period. We are now poised to evaluate our primary objectives among a cohort of colorectal cancer patients.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1919. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1919