Investigating a Chinese herbal formula to reduce gut issues caused by cancer treatment
Mechanistic and Pharmacokinetic Studies of Classical Chinese Formula Xiao Chai Hu Tang Against Irinotecan-Induced Gut Toxicities
This study is looking at how a traditional Chinese medicine called Xiao Chai Hu Tang might help cancer patients who are taking irinotecan, a chemotherapy drug that can cause bad diarrhea, by keeping their gut healthy and making their treatment more comfortable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10928219 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on the effects of a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, Xiao Chai Hu Tang (XCHT), on patients undergoing treatment with irinotecan, a chemotherapy drug known to cause severe delayed-onset diarrhea. The study aims to understand how XCHT can help maintain gut health by preventing the decline of important intestinal enzymes that are affected by irinotecan. Through a series of experiments, researchers will analyze the formula's components and their pharmacokinetics to prepare for potential clinical applications. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing the gastrointestinal side effects of their treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients receiving irinotecan treatment who are at risk of developing severe gastrointestinal side effects.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing irinotecan treatment or those with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing debilitating gut toxicities associated with chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches in managing chemotherapy side effects, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Ming — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Hu, Ming
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.