Prebiotics in Rectal Cancer

Do Prebiotics Change Intestinal Biome in Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Therapy

A significant racial disparity in the incidence and mortality of CRC exists in the U.S. with African Americans having CRC incidence and mortality rates that are 20% and 40% higher than the general U.S. population. It has been demonstrated that the gut microbiome impacts tumor development and progression through multiple mechanisms, including impacting the tumoral immune response. However, it is unknown if microbiome modulating treatment can have an impact on CRC outcomes.

A significant racial disparity in the incidence and mortality of CRC exists in the U.S. with African Americans having CRC incidence and mortality rates that are 20% and 40% higher than the general U.S. population. It has been demonstrated that the gut microbiome impacts tumor development and progression through multiple mechanisms, including impacting the tumoral immune response. However, it is unknown if microbiome modulating treatment can have an impact on CRC outcomes.

This is a pilot project to see if any changes are detected in stool and/or tissue samples in rectal cancer patients who receive a soluble corn fiber supplement during their neoadjuvant treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18 years or older
2. Clinical diagnosis of stage 2 or stage 3 rectal cancer
3. Subjects who are women of child-bearing potential must not be pregnant or lactating
4. Have signed an approved informed consent form for the study
5. Be willing to comply with the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with a cancer history (excluding the rectal cancer currently being addressed)
2. Allergic to corn or maltodextrin
3. Has, in the Investigator's opinion, any medical condition that makes the subject a poor candidate for the study