Why is this study being done? Many patients with a type of breast cancer (called HR-positive) take a medicine called Abemaciclib. While this medicine is effective, a very common side effect is diarrhea, which can be severe enough to disrupt treatment and reduce quality of life. The reason why some patients get diarrhea and others do not is not well understood. This study aims to investigate whether the natural bacteria living in the gut (known as the gut microbiome) play a role in this side effect. Researchers will compare the gut bacteria of patients who develop diarrhea with those who do not. What will happen in the study? This is an observational study, which means that patients will receive their normal cancer treatment and will not be given any new or experimental drugs as part of this initial phase. * Patients who are already being treated with Abemaciclib will be invited to join. * They will be placed into one of two groups: those who experience diarrhea and those who do not. * Participants will be asked to provide stool (feces) samples and may also provide optional blood samples at specific times during their treatment. * Researchers will analyze these samples in the lab to study the types and functions of the gut bacteria. Who can participate? * Adult women (aged 18-75) diagnosed with HR-positive breast cancer. * Currently receiving treatment with Abemaciclib for at least 2 weeks. * Must be willing to provide informed consent and follow the study procedures. What are the potential benefits? Participants will not receive any direct medical benefit from taking part in this study. However, the information learned may help researchers better understand why diarrhea occurs and, in the future, could lead to new ways to prevent or treat this side effect for other cancer patients. How is privacy protected? All personal information and samples collected will be de-identified using a unique code. This means that the data used for analysis cannot be directly linked back to the participant's identity. All data is stored securely according to strict ethical guidelines.
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Difference in gut microbiota beta diversity
Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 6 months.
Identification of specific bacterial species enriched in non-diarrhea group
Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 6 months.