Fiber pills may ease radiation side effects for pelvic cancer patients
NCT ID NCT04534075
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This completed phase 3 trial tested whether taking psyllium husk fiber capsules during pelvic radiation therapy could reduce gut inflammation and urgency symptoms. 354 adults with pelvic cancers (like rectal, prostate, or gynecological) took either fiber or placebo capsules daily. The study measured blood inflammation markers and patient-reported bowel urgency to see if extra fiber helps long-term gut health.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- dietary fiber from psyllium husk
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to protect the gut and reduce urgent bowel symptoms during pelvic radiation therapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed phase 3 trial, but the added fiber might increase acute side effects instead of helping. Results are not yet published, so we don't know if it worked.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANAL CANCER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Jubileumskliniken, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Gothenburg, 413 45, Sweden
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can an immunotherapy drug boost the power of chemoradiation against anal cancer?
- Can a personalized exercise program boost recovery in cancer survivors?
- Quitting before the knife: which Stop-Smoking aid works best for cancer patients?
- Blood test may one day personalize drug dosing after stem cell transplants
- Can anal cancer treatment spare sexual well-being? a study tracks the toll over two years.
- Braids and conditioner may boost scalp cooling against chemo hair loss