Current Projects

Project Title The Impact of Colonic Microbiota on Breast Cancer

Researcher Ece Mutlu, MD, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois

Study Summary The purpose of this study is to find out what type of bacteria can be found in the intestines and to look at the way the bacteria metabolize estrogen and other female hormones. The bacteria of women who have never had breast cancer will be compared to the bacteria of women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
Thirty (30) women who have never had breast cancer are needed for this study.

Who Can Participate? You can join the Impact of Colonic Microbiota on Breast Cancer Study, if you match ALL of these MAIN categories:

• You are a woman between the ages of 50 – 70

• You are postmenopausal

• You have never been diagnosed with breast cancer

• None of your first or second-degree relatives have ever been diagnosed with breast or colon cancer. First-degree relatives include parents, siblings, or children. Second degree relatives include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or cousins.

• You have had a mammogram within the past nine months that was normal (it had no abnormal findings)

• You are able to go to the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, to participate in the study

After you RSVP, the researcher will ask you additional questions to be sure that this study is a right fit for you.

What Does Participation Involve? If you join the Impact of Colonic Microbiota on Breast Cancer Study you will be asked to come to Rush University Medical Center for a 2-3 hour appointment that can be done in one or two visits at your discretion. First, you will have a screening visit with one of the researchers. This will include a physical examination, having blood drawn, and answering questions about your medical history, your diet, and your breast cancer risk. You will also be asked to provide a stool sample that you will collect from home. The researchers will provide you with a stool collection kit, including instructions for collection and collection and storage containers. Next, either at the same visit or on a separate appointment you will have a limited flexible sigmoidoscopy, which involves having a scope inserted through your rectum into your colon (flexible sigmoidoscopy is one of the tools used to screen for colon cancer). The procedure takes approximately ten minutes and is done without anesthesia. During the procedure the researcher will remove several small pieces of tissue from your colon. The researchers will follow-up with you approximately 10 –14 days after your flexible sigmoidoscopy and will also review your medical records for approximately one year.

Where? Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois

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