Using dietary supplements to treat rectal injury from radiation

A Prospective, Single-Arm, Single-Center Study of Dietary Supplements in the Treatment of Radiation-Induced Rectal Injury

PHASE2 · Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University · NCT06776016

This study is testing whether a dietary supplement called tributyrin can help people with chronic rectal injury from radiation feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment33 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorSixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT06776016 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study is a prospective, single-arm trial that evaluates the safety and efficacy of tributyrin as a dietary supplement for patients suffering from chronic radiation-induced rectal injury. The study aims to improve symptoms of rectal bleeding and enhance the quality of life by administering tributyrin and monitoring its effects through blood tests and non-invasive methods. Participants will be closely monitored to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 who have experienced rectal bleeding after pelvic radiotherapy and have no evidence of tumor recurrence.

Not a fit: Patients with serious systemic diseases, rectal ulcerations, or other significant gastrointestinal complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce rectal bleeding and improve the quality of life for patients with radiation-induced rectal injury.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of radiation-induced rectal injury, other studies have explored the use of butyrate for gastrointestinal health with varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-75 years
* At least 3 months since the completion of pelvic radiotherapy
* No evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis
* Rectal bleeding with grade 1-2 by LENT-SOMA scales

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute or chronic infectious diseases
* Serious systemic diseases
* Known allergies to any components of the study medication
* Colonoscopy indicating rectal ulceration (\>1cm2), fistula, stricture, or necrosis
* Late complications related to pelvic radiation injury
* Other hemorrhagic or coagulation disorders
* Previous rectal resection
* Bowel obstruction or perforation that require surgery
* Cognitive or psychological disorder

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Radiotherapy, Radiation Proctitis, radiotherapy, radiation proctitis, tributyrin, rectal bleeding, butyrate

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.