Preoperative postbiotic (butyrate) given before colorectal cancer surgery

Randomized Clinical Trial on the Use of Preoperative Postbiotic Supplementation in Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Not applicable Interventional AC Camargo Cancer Center · NCT07268846

This trial will test whether taking a 900 mg daily postbiotic (butyrate) for seven days before elective colorectal cancer surgery helps reduce postoperative complications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment164 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAC Camargo Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (São Paulo, São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT07268846 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Participants with localized colorectal adenocarcinoma scheduled for elective resection will be assigned to one of two groups to receive either 900 mg of oral butyrate daily or a matching placebo for seven days prior to surgery. The study plans to enroll 164 participants over about two years at A.C. Camargo Cancer Center and will compare postoperative complication rates between the two groups. The rationale is based on evidence that microbially derived metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids can modulate immunity and support intestinal barrier integrity. The trial aims to determine whether short-term preoperative supplementation can translate these effects into fewer surgical complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults over 18 with confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma scheduled for elective (non-emergency) intestinal resection who can provide informed consent are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency or urgent surgery, cytoreductive operations with intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy, or extended procedures for recurrent tumors are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If effective, this simple preoperative supplement could substantially lower postoperative complications, reduce morbidity, and decrease related healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work and some clinical data suggest short-chain fatty acids like butyrate support gut barrier function and modulate immunity, but randomized clinical evidence showing reduced postoperative complications after preoperative postbiotic use is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals diagnosed with malignant neoplasm of the large intestine, specifically adenocarcinoma.
* Patients over 18 years of age, of both sexes.
* Patients who agree to participate in the study and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency or urgent surgeries.
* Cytoreductive surgeries involving intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
* Extended surgeries for the treatment of recurrent tumors.

Where this trial is running

São Paulo, São Paulo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions CancerColorectal cancer surgeryPostbioticcolorectal cancerintestinal microbiotanutritional interventioninflammation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.