Could a ketone drink help fight colorectal cancer? a trial investigates
NCT ID NCT05338307
First seen Aug 12, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study is testing whether a ketone supplement called beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is safe and tolerable for people scheduled for a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy as part of their standard care. Participants will take a drink containing R-1,3-butanediol three times daily for a short period. The main goals are to see if people can stick with the supplement and if it raises BHB levels in the blood, which could inform future research on its potential role in colorectal cancer.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- R-1,3-Butanediol (a ketone supplement)
- What this could lead to
- If this supplement is well-tolerated and raises blood ketone levels, it could pave the way for larger studies exploring whether ketones might influence colorectal cancer development or progression.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early feasibility study, not designed to test whether the supplement affects cancer itself. Side effects or poor tolerance could limit its use, and results may not apply to broader populations.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2022
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age of 18 years or older * Scheduled for a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy as part of the patient's standard care * Can provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Subject is pregnant, a prisoner, or is under 18 years of age * Patient is not able to undergo colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy * Prior total proctocolectomy * History of inflammatory bowel disease * History of diabetes mellitus and are currently on medical diabetes therapy * History of chronic kidney disease with an eGFR \< 60 mL/min/1.73m2 * Cancer diagnosis where the subject is receiving active therapy * Use of either a ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting (defined as a fasting period of 16 hours or more per day that is not associated with a medical procedure) during the 4 weeks prior to enrollment
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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
-
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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