Gut bacteria hack: could antibiotics boost chemo for stage IV colon cancer?

NCT ID NCT06728072

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether adding two antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and metronidazole) plus aspirin to standard chemotherapy can improve outcomes for people with stage IV colorectal cancer. About 97 participants will receive either chemo alone or chemo plus the microbiome modulation therapy. The goal is to see if this combination increases tumor shrinkage and survival.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and aspirin
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to make chemotherapy more effective for advanced colorectal cancer by targeting gut bacteria.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase pilot study, so results may not apply broadly. Adding antibiotics and aspirin may cause side effects like digestive issues or bleeding risk.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colorectal cancer colorectal carcinoma colorectal neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COLORECTAL CANCER CRC

Contacts and locations

Locations

Virginia Cancer Institute (VCI)
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Richmond, Virginia, 23229, United States
Virginia Commonwealth University
RECRUITING

Richmond, Virginia, 23298, United States

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