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Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole, and Aspirin with Standard of Care Chemotherapy in Patients with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Undergoing First-Line Therapy

Trial Status: active

This phase II trial compares the effect of microbiome modulation therapy (MBMT) with ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and aspirin added to standard of care chemotherapy to standard of care chemotherapy alone in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is a common and highly aggressive cancer. Both genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of CRC. The microorganisms in the gut (microbiome) have been shown to play an important role and some microorganisms may be associated with poor outcomes and may also impact the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Antibacterials, such as ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, may decrease cancer-associated bacteria in patients with CRC and may help improve their response to chemotherapy. Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, reduces pain, fever, inflammation and blood clotting and has been shown to reduce bacteria in the gut microbiome. Standard of care treatment for CRC is a fluorouracil-based chemotherapy regimen. Chemotherapy drugs work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and aspirin may reduce the amount of cancer-associated bacteria and, when given with first-line standard of care chemotherapy, may increase response and improve outcomes compared to chemotherapy alone in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer.