Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Observational Ages 18 and up Men only

Investigating bowel bacteria changes in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

Official title: Chronic Radiation Induced Bowel Toxicity Study (CRIBS)

Run by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust · NCT06640959 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to see how the bacteria in the stool of prostate cancer patients change during and after pelvic radiotherapy and how these changes relate to their health and diet.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexMen only
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorThe Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation
Locations2 sites (Manchester, Greater Manchester and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 19, 2024
Main results expectedJuly 2026
Study endsJuly 2027
Registry record updatedDecember 20, 2024
Trial IDNCT06640959 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are males aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed, localized, intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer scheduled for radical radiotherapy.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have received recent antibiotics, cytotoxic therapies, or have certain gastrointestinal diseases may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to analyze the bacteria present in the stool of patients with prostate cancer who are undergoing pelvic radiotherapy. The researchers will collect stool, blood, urine, and optional rectal swab samples at various points during and after treatment to assess any changes in the microbiota and related immunological responses. Additionally, participants will complete food diaries and health questionnaires to provide further insights into their dietary habits and quality of life. The study will recruit approximately 50 patients across two sites over a two-year period.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of bowel toxicity related to radiotherapy and potentially improve patient management strategies.

How similar studies have gone: While similar studies have explored the microbiota in cancer treatment, this specific approach focusing on radiation-induced changes is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male, aged ≥ 18; no upper age limit and able to give informed consent.
* Newly diagnosed patients with, histologically confirmed, localised, intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer (T2b -T4a N0 M0).
* Patients to be treated with prostate radical radiotherapy IMRT (60Gy in 20# with curative intent) 4-week regimen.
* Performance status - ECOG 0-2.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Had received systemic antibiotics (intravenous, intramuscular, or oral) within 2 months before enrolment.
* Had received cytotoxic or immunosuppressive therapies within 6 months of enrolment, including chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
* Had consumed large doses of commercial probiotics (greater or equal to 108 CFU per day) within 12 months of enrolment (such as Actimint®, CranProBio®, ImmunoProBio®, among others).
* Patients with diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac disease
* Patients with previous colorectal cancer
* Patients who have undergone colectomy (total or subtotal)
* Patients with a history of diverticulitis (uncomplicated diverticular disease permitted)

Where it's running

  • Christie NHS Foundation Trust
    Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
    Recruiting
  • Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.