Role of Diet on the Microbiome of the Digestive System

Launched by M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER · Dec 8, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how different diets affect the bacteria and microorganisms in our digestive system, which is called the microbiome. The researchers are particularly interested in understanding if these dietary influences might play a role in the development of colorectal cancer, a type of cancer that affects the colon and rectum. They are currently looking for participants to help with this study.

To be eligible, participants should be 45 years or older and must be undergoing a routine screening colonoscopy. There are two groups in the study: one group follows a strict vegetarian diet, while the other group eats a mixed diet that includes meat (omnivorous). It’s important that participants do not smoke and are willing to complete some dietary assessments and provide samples of their stool, blood, and colon tissue. If you qualify and choose to participate, you’ll help researchers learn more about the connection between diet and colorectal cancer, which could lead to better prevention strategies in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • GROUP I: Patients presenting for a screening colonoscopy
• • GROUP I: Age of 45 and above
• • GROUP I: Strict vegetarian diet, determined by using diet history questionnaire 3.0 National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• • GROUP I: Non smoker
• • GROUP I: Ability to understand and willingness to sign an informed consent form, complete web based dietary assessment and provide stool, colonic mucosa and blood samples
• • GROUP II: Patients presenting for a screening colonoscopy
• • GROUP II: Age of 45 and above
• • GROUP II: Omnivorous diet
• • GROUP II: Non smoker
• • GROUP II: Ability to understand and willingness to sign an informed consent form, complete web based dietary assessment and provide stool, colonic mucosa and blood sample
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • • Current smokers (nicotine abuse only)
• • Positive family history of colon cancer or colon cancer related syndromes
• • Recent use of antibiotics in 1 month
• • History of inflammatory bowel disease, and/or radiation enteritis or colitis
• • Pregnant and breastfeeding women
• • Women of child-bearing potential who have positive urine or serum pregnancy test
• • Heavy drinker (defined as more than 14 drinks per week)
• • Currently using anti-flatulence medications, probiotics and/or fiber supplements
• • Major dietary restrictions and/or following a special diet
• • Patient with positive fecal test/symptoms