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

NCT ID NCT06728072

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Virginia Cancer Institute (VCI)

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Richmond, Virginia, 23229, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Virginia Commonwealth University

    RECRUITING

    Richmond, Virginia, 23298, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••