Study of Gut Microbiome Changes During Chemotherapy in Adults With Metastasized or Irresectable Colorectal Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the gut microbiome in adults with metastasized or irresectable colorectal cancer CRC who are receiving chemotherapy. The study aims to understand how the gut microbiome changes during treatment and how these changes relate to the effects of chemotherapy. This research is important because even though treatments are improving, survival rates remain low and side effects are common, so better tools to predict treatment response are needed. Participants in this observational study will provide fecal samples at home before starting treatment and again three months after treatment begins, coinciding with their response evaluation. They will also fill out questionnaires about factors that may affect the microbiome, such as the use of antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors. Additionally, blood samples will be collected before treatment and three months later for storage and analysis. During the study, researchers will track participants response to chemotherapy and any serious side effects over two years. They will use various tests, including stool sample analysis, questionnaires, and blood tests, to gather data. The total duration of participation and follow-up extends for at least two years to help predict treatment outcomes and side effects based on microbiome changes.

Gut Microbiome Dynamics in Metastasized or Irresectable Colorectal Cancer