Optimal survival and quality of life in metastatic colorectal cancer with irinotecan dosing based on UGT1A1 genotype and gut microbiome enzyme activity including a dietary intervention. (OPTIMA)

Patients with metastatic colon cancer are often treated with the chemotherapeutic irinotecan. However, not everyone responds to this therapy, and in 40% of cases, it causes side effects, such as severe diarrhea (7 to 14 times a day). As a result, the quality of life, as well as survival, deteriorates, placing a heavy burden on both family members and hospital staff. Currently, there are no available tests to predict the response or side effects. Within OPTIMA, three screening tests are being validated clinically to provide physicians with a toolbox for predicting the response to irinotecan and preventing side effects.