Longitudinal study of intensive AML treatment on the gut microbiome.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplant on the gut microbiome of patients’ with acute myeloid leukaemia: a longitudinal study.
IRAS ID
276062
Contact name
Anne-Louise Latif
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS GG&C
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 28 days
Research summary
A ‘healthy’ gut consists of trillions of microorganisms, which include bacteria. Changes in the type and quantity of these microorganisms have been linked to different medical conditions and are recognised as an important basis of health. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Without treatment, it progresses quickly and treatment, in the form of chemotherapy, is required soon after diagnosis. Some patients will require a stem cell transplant, particularly those who have genetic abnormalities associated with the disease returning. We know that chemotherapy can affect the microorganisms of the gut, making them ineffective, and this has been shown to be associated with complications of chemotherapy and transplantation. We do not fully understand how this happens or when it happens during treatment. Patients within Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS who have a new diagnosis of AML, where genetics suggest that a stem cell transplant will be required, will be eligible to participate in this pilot study. Blood samples (that will be taken at time of a blood test that is being used to guide your treatment) and stool samples (which are often required during treatment if there are changes in bowel habits) will be taken at 4 different time-points during the treatment journey (diagnosis, before the 2nd cycle of chemotherapy, before stem cell transplant, and 100 days post stem cell transplant). In view of the regular interaction with healthcare professionals during the treatment of AML, treatment time-points will be only at times of routine review. We want to use this study to assess the ‘health’ of the gut at these different time-points during treatment to allow assessment if an intervention can be used in future clinical trials.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SC/0402
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion