Using Psyllium Husk to Improve Bowel Function in Rectal Cancer Patients

Quality of Life (QoL) and Symptom Burden After Low Rectal Resection. an Open, Effect Pilot Study with Psyllium Husk Treatment in Rectal Cancer Patients.

NA · Sykehuset Telemark · NCT06724198

This study is testing if taking Psyllium husk can help improve bowel function and reduce symptoms for patients who have had surgery for rectal cancer and are dealing with Low Anterior Resection Syndrome.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSykehuset Telemark (other gov)
Locations1 site (Skien, Telemark)
Trial IDNCT06724198 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the effects of Psyllium husk as a nutritional supplement for patients who have undergone low rectal resection for rectal cancer and are experiencing Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS). The study aims to assess the impact of Psyllium on symptoms such as bowel incontinence, urgency, and tenesmus, which significantly affect the quality of life of these patients. Participants will be evaluated based on their LARS scores, and those with scores above 20 will be included in the study. The goal is to provide evidence for a potential management strategy for LARS that has not been previously validated in larger randomized trials.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients who have undergone low rectal resection for rectal cancer and have a LARS score greater than 20 at least 12 months post-surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with a LARS score of 0-20 or those with contraindications to Psyllium husk will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new dietary management option to improve bowel function and quality of life for rectal cancer survivors suffering from LARS.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the use of Psyllium husk for LARS, similar approaches in managing bowel dysfunction have shown promise, though this specific application is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Operated with low rectal resection for rectal cancer
* LARS score \>20 at 12 months or more after surgery
* Written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Various conditions rendering the patient unable to answer questionnaire
* LARS score 0-20
* Contraindications to Psyllium husk (hypersensitivity, intestinal obstruction, reduced esophageal function, rare congenital medical conditions such as sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, fructose intolerance and glucose-galactose malabsorbtion)

Where this trial is running

Skien, Telemark

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: Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, Quality of Life, rectal cancer, LARS, quality of life, Psyllium

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.