A significant racial disparity in the incidence and mortality of CRC exists in the U.S. with African Americans having CRC incidence and mortality rates that are 20% and 40% higher than the general U.S. population. It has been demonstrated that the gut microbiome impacts tumor development and progression through multiple mechanisms, including impacting the tumoral immune response. However, it is unknown if microbiome modulating treatment can have an impact on CRC outcomes.~This is a pilot project to see if any changes are detected in stool and/or tissue samples in rectal cancer patients who receive a soluble corn fiber supplement during their neoadjuvant treatment.
A significant racial disparity in the incidence and mortality of CRC exists in the U.S. with African Americans having CRC incidence and mortality rates that are 20% and 40% higher than the general U.S. population. It has been demonstrated that the gut microbiome impacts tumor development and progression through multiple mechanisms, including impacting the tumoral immune response. However, it is unknown if microbiome modulating treatment can have an impact on CRC outcomes.