Study illuminated: New hope for intestinal cancer patients through microbioma!

Study illuminated: New hope for intestinal cancer patients through microbioma!

colon cancer is one of the most common cancer in Germany, with almost 55,000 new cases per year. The relevant treatment method is the surgical removal of the tumor. However, many patients have to deal with persistent digestive impairments that can remain for years. In order to improve the quality of life of those affected, scientists have launched the Leonora study at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg and at the Cologne University Hospital. The German Cancer Aid supports this project with around 700,000 euros.

After a colon cancer surgery, many patients suffer from serious digestive problems, such as chronic diarrhea and constipation, which are often accompanied by pain. These impairments are often intensified by aftercare, which often includes antibiotic treatment and chemotherapy. These therapies not only have an impact on tumor control, but also on the healthy intestinal flora, which is of essential importance for the immune system of humans. A healthy intestinal flora can prevent infections that can occur in particular after an operation.

destinations of the Leonora study

The Leonora study aims to evaluate new therapeutic methods by using synbiotics that consist of living microorganisms and food substances. To achieve this, 206 colon cancer patients from 12 German clinics are divided into two groups. One group receives a capsule with a mixture of 50 billion colony -forming units of 12 bacterial strains over a period of 12 weeks a day, supplemented by a pregiotic (inulin). The control group receives a placebo that has no influence on the microbiome.

The main objectives of the study include the improvement of gastrointestinal quality of life and the recording of further health aspects. This includes the collection of inflammatory parameters, metabolites in the blood and infection rates. The relapse rate of colon cancer is also analyzed. In order to examine the effects on the patient's microbioma, stool samples are collected.

connection between microbioma and health

The human body is made up of around 30 trillion cells, which are populated by as many microbes. This microbioma plays a central role in health and can have a significant impact on metabolism, growth and immune response. The composition of the microbiome varies individually and is influenced by diet. Earlier studies have shown that synbiotics can significantly reduce postoperative infections, diarrhea and inflammation. Despite this findings, there is a lack of extensive data regarding the gastrointestinal quality of life and the survival time.

Apart from the therapeutic approaches of the Leonora study, the Permiccion project deals with the influencing factors on colon cancer, especially in young adults. Socio -economic factors, lifestyle and microbiota are examined to develop strategies to improve quality of life, prevention and diagnostics.

The combination of these research approaches promotes interdisciplinary cooperation between oncology, nutritional sciences, microbiology and data science in order to develop innovative and effective therapies for intestinal cancer patients.

The Leonora study and similar projects give hope for a significant improvement in the quality of life of colon cancer patients. In addition, a better understanding of the microbiome could lead to progress in the treatment of this frequent disease.