A Pilot Medically Tailored Meal-Based Intervention to Reduce Ultra-processed Food Intake Among Patients With Stages I-III Colorectal Cancer
Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
This research study is a three-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial that examines the feasibility and initial impact of consuming medically tailored meals to reduce intake of ultra-processed food and improve health and survival outcomes among 60 patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer.
Description
This research study is exploring whether medically tailored meals can help survivors with stage I-III colorectal cancer reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods and improve their health. Ultra-processed foods, such as packaged snacks, fast food, and sugary drinks, make up a large portion of many Americans' diets and have been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer and poorer survival. While experts recommend limiting these foods, many patients face challenges like limited time, cooking skills, or access to healthy options, making dietary changes difficult. Medically tailored meals,…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must have histologically confirmed stage I, II, or III colon or rectal adenocarcinoma and have completed standard treatment (including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy) at least 2 months ago. * Age ≥18 years. * ECOG = 0 or 1 * Participants must have a high intake of UPFs, defined as meeting at least three of the following criteria, each consumed on more than or equal to 3 days per week: * Ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat dishes, such as packaged frozen meals, prepared entrées, quick dishes, or microwaveable packaged foods; * Sugar- or artificially s…
Interventions
- BehavioralMTM: Medically tailored meals
3 fully prepared, home-delivered, medically tailored meals per day delivered weekly for 6 weeks.
- BehavioralMTM plus Fresh Produce
2 fully prepared, home-delivered, medically tailored meals per day, plus weekly deliveries of fresh produce and accompanying recipes, for 6 weeks.
- BehavioralControl group
weekly recipes and meal-planning materials only; no food will be provided.
Location
- Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, Massachusetts