Trial Information

Summary: Curcumin For The Chemoprevention Of Colorectal Cancer

People who have a history of a certain kind of colon polyps are regarded as being at risk for colorectal cancer. These polyps occur because cells in the colon grow too fast, and do not die fast enough. What we are trying to do is to see if an element of a commonly used spice called Turmeric, which can be found in Indian curries, is useful in altering this type of cell growth and death. The idea behind this study is that if this spice is useful in preventing or reversing the growth of colon polyps in humans, it might be a potential weapon against colorectal cancer. Curcumin has been studied in humans in the U.S. as well as in other countries and has been found to be very safe in doses that are triple what we plan to use in this study.

Patient Inclusion Criteria

• Be over age 18
• A diagnosis for colon/rectal polyp resection, polypectomy
• Be scheduled for a colonoscopy at the University of Pennsylvania
• Not have a history of colon cancer

Patient Exclusion Criteria

• Previous history of Familial Polyposis Syndromes
• Previous history of inflammatory bowel disease
• Previous surgery of the large bowel
• Liver disease
• Known history of gallstones
• Cardiac disease
• Renal disease
• Hematopoietic disease
• Significantly impaired gastrointestinal function or absorption
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Active infection including viral, bacterial, atypical or fungal infections of any organ system including HIV
• Previous history of allergy to turmeric, Indian curries, aspirin or NSAIDs
• Pregnant or lactating women
• Dementia or other neurologic or psychiatric disease which may impede the ability to follow the protocol
• Inability to swallow pills
• Prior or concurrent therapy with any herbal or dietary supplement containing curcuminoids
• Concurrent use of anticoagulants or antiplatelets including warfarin, clopidigrel

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Trial listings updated: June 1, 2008 at 5:46:19 AM