Could skipping opioids during surgery help fight colorectal cancer?

NCT ID NCT07264556

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares three types of anesthesia during colorectal cancer surgery: opioid-based, opioid-sparing, and opioid-free. Researchers will measure immune markers called NETs in the blood and test how the blood affects cancer cells in the lab. The goal is to see if avoiding opioids might reduce cancer spread and improve recovery. 90 adults undergoing elective surgery are being recruited.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

opioid-free anesthesia (esketamine, lidocaine, dexmedetomidine) and opioid-sparing anesthesia (oxycodone, TAP block) compared to standard opioid-based anesthesia

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that using less or no opioids during surgery might reduce cancer spread risk and improve recovery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study (90 people) looking at blood markers, not long-term outcomes. The results may not change practice or apply to all patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

carcinoid tumor colorectal cancer colorectal neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center

    RECRUITING

    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200032, China

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••