ChemoGut Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identification of circulating markers of colonic gut microbiome function, involved in the regulation of therapeutic responses in colorectal cancer.
IRAS ID
277653
Contact name
James Kinross
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Gut microbiota refers to the naturally occurring bacteria residing in the human gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria are beneficial to humans, ensuring that gastrointestinal health is maintained. However, there is evidence that diseases can occur when the composition of these bacteria is disrupted, referring as microbiome dysbiosis. We are interested in understanding the role of the gut microbiome in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. We believe that certain patients are genetically predisposed to colorectal cancer however when genetic factors are combined with changes in the diversity of bacteria residing in the small and large intestine, the disease is developed and tumour metastasises. One of the aims of this research is to discover the changes in the diversity of bacteria in patients with colorectal cancer compared to healthy state.
It has been increasing evidence that the gut microbiome adheres an important role in regulating the pharmacological effects of chemo/immuno-therapeutic agents used for colorectal cancer treatment. This research aims to study in more detail how gut bacteria (and the way they interact with the host) can affect metabolism of chemotherapy/immunotherapy drugs.
Stool, blood, urine and gut tissue collected from colorectal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy will be extensively analysed to determine changes in microbial composition reflecting therapy responses. Additionally, bacteria co-metabolites released during microbiome-host-drug interactions will be identified. The need of such metabolic markers is extremely crucial in developing a non-invasive prognostic tool of therapy response, determining the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy/immunotherapy. Healthy participants will also be recruited to determine changes in microbiome and metabolome composition between healthy and cancer state.
Particicpants will be recruited by NHS Trust hospitals, and sample analysis will be performed at Imperial College - St.Mary's, South Kensington and Hammersmith Campus. The study will last for approximately 5 years.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/WM/0295
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jan 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion