University of Cincinnati Cancer Center researchers are looking to the gut microbiome as a potential pathway to reduce certain side effects of radiation therapy.
Patients with GI, GU and gynecologic cancers undergoing whole pelvis radiotherapy enrolled in the trial will receive a 10-week course of a 5-strain probiotic supplement that includes A. muciniphilia. Approximately 20 patients are planned to be enrolled.
The primary objective is to evaluate adherence and tolerability of the probiotic, and Nelson and her team will additionally assess GI toxicity outcomes, particularly diarrhea. If probiotic supplementation is well tolerated in patients, the team plans to design a larger randomized controlled trial to more rigorously evaluate its potential protective effects.
"If we can find ways to manipulate and harness the microbiome to lessen treatment-related toxicity and decrease rates of cancer development and progression, it could be truly revolutionary," Nelson said. "This is only the beginning."
The Cancer Center's Pilot Project Award Program, designed to empower early-stage investigators, provides both funding and mentorship to help researchers develop their ideas into full-scale clinical studies. For Nelson, the award offered a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while designing and launching a clinical trial under the mentorship of Jordan Kharofa, MD.
"Through this program, under the guidance of my mentor, I am learning how to write grants, design Phase 1 clinical trials, create research budgets, collaborate with various colleagues and consultants, and more," she said. "I am extremely grateful for this educational opportunity and the support of the Cancer Center."
