Short summary

The project will investigate whether vitamin B12 malabsorption is a problem following surgery with right hemicolectomy in patients with colonic cancer

Rationale

Rightsided colonic cancer may be treated with right hemicolectomy which include resection of the terminal ileum. Vitamin B12 (B12, cobalamin) is absorbed in the terminal ileum and is involved in cell DNA-synthesis and proliferation. This is particularly important for function of the nervous system, but also the production of red blood cells is dependent on B12. B12 deficiency may cause megaloblastic anemia, neuropathy and impaired cognitive function and can be assessed by measuring a number of biomarkers in the blood. In the blood, B12 absorption can also be assessed via a B12 absorption test, the so-called CobaSorb test2. We do not know whether colorectal cancer patients who receive right hemicolectomy, develop B12 malabsorption and thus B12 deficiency as a late side effect. B12 deficiency can develop over months to years. There are very few studies that investigate the risk of B12 deficiency after cancer surgery and these studies primarily investigated B12 levels after surgery for bladder cancer and not B12 absorption. B12 absorption and sensitive B12 biomarkers have only been systematically measured by one study, but this study used the now phased-out Schillings test. The hypothesis of this study is that biochemical signs of B12 malabsorption develop after surgery for colorectal cancer assessed using CobaSorb.

Description of the cohort

Patients operated with right hemicolectomy at Dept. of Abdominal and Plastic Surgery, Lillebaelt Hospital

Data and biological material

Blood samples

Collaborating researchers and departments

Dept. of Biochemestry, Aarhus University Hospital

• Tina Parkner