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HER2-positive Breast CancerNCT06892093

Probiotics for Prevention of Neratinib-Induced Diarrhea in Breast Cancer Patients

A study testing Probiotics and Loperamide in people with HER2-positive Breast Cancer and Diarrhea Caused by Drug, run by Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University at 1 site in China.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics for the prevention of diarrhea in patients with breast cancer receiving the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) Neratinib. Study Design: This is a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older, women only
What is being tested?
Probiotics and Loperamide
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
308 participants
Where
1 siteChina
Study dates
7 Aug 2025to Dec 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Participants must meet all of the following criteria:
  • Female patients aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • Scheduled to receive Neratinib therapy (monotherapy or in combination), based on clinical guidelines.
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤ 2, with an expected survival of at least 3 months.
  • Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50%.
  • Resolution of any prior treatment-related toxicity to Grade ≤1 (per CTCAE v5.0), with AST and ALT ≤ 2.5 × the upper limit of normal (ULN), and total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 × ULN.
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  • Adequate bone marrow function, defined as:
  • White blood cell count ≥ 3.0 × 10⁹/L Neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 × 10⁹/L Platelet count ≥ 100 × 10⁹/L Hemoglobin ≥ 90 g/L Serum creatinine ≤ 1.5 × ULN
  • No persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, such as hematochezia, chronic constipation, or abdominal pain.
  • No evidence of structural gastrointestinal abnormalities confirmed by gastroscopy or other relevant examinations.

Who cannot join

  • Participants will be excluded if they meet any of the following criteria:
  • Conditions that significantly impair swallowing, digestion, or gastrointestinal drug absorption.
  • History of chronic gastrointestinal diseases, including but not limited to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastrointestinal tumors, or malabsorption syndromes.
  • Severe cardiovascular diseases that may interfere with study treatment, including but not limited to:
  • Life-threatening arrhythmias Advanced atrioventricular block Unstable angina Clinically significant pericardial disease Myocardial fibrosis Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Known hypersensitivity to any component of Neratinib, probiotics, placebo, or loperamide.
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  • Prior participation in any clinical trial involving investigational drugs within 4 weeks prior to enrollment, or chronic use of medications that may induce constipation within 6 months.
  • Pregnant or lactating women, or those unwilling to use effective contraception during the study period.
  • Any medical, psychiatric, or social condition that, in the investigator's judgment, could compromise the safety of the participant, interfere with study participation, or confound the study results.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

China1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University

    Guangzhou, Guangdong

    Jianli Zhao, +86 15920589334, zhaojianli1988@126.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in China

About this study

Official title: Efficacy and Safety of Probiotics Versus Standard Care in Preventing Diarrhea Induced by Neratinib in Breast Cancer Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics for the prevention of diarrhea in patients with breast cancer receiving the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) Neratinib.

Study Design: This is a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a probiotics intervention group or a placebo-controlled group. Both groups will receive prophylactic loperamide according to the FDA-recommended dosing schedule for neratinib-associated diarrhea.

Read more

Primary Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in reducing the incidence and severity of diarrhea in patients receiving Neratinib.

Secondary Objectives: This study will also investigate the effects of probiotics on gut microbiota composition and their potential impact on drug efficacy.

Study Duration: Enrollment is planned from August 2025 to June 2027 at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University. Both the intervention and control groups will receive treatment for a total of six weeks (two cycles of three weeks each). No post-treatment observation period is included.

Eligibility Criteria: Participants must be diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer and scheduled to receive Neratinib. Exclusion criteria include patients with severe gastrointestinal disorders or recent probiotic consumption.

Read the detailed description

Breast cancer patients treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) Neratinib often experience severe diarrhea, leading to treatment interruptions, dose reductions, or discontinuation. Emerging evidence highlights the role of gut microbiota in drug metabolism and gastrointestinal toxicity. Probiotics have been proposed as a potential intervention to modulate gut microbiota and mitigate diarrhea; however, their efficacy in preventing Neratinib-induced diarrhea remains inconclusive.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics in preventing diarrhea in HER2-positive breast cancer patients receiving Neratinib. The study will also explore the impact of probiotics on gut microbiota composition and potential microbiome-mediated mechanisms that may enhance treatment adherence and therapeutic outcomes.

Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a probiotics group or a placebo group. Both groups will receive prophylactic loperamide in accordance with the dosing schedule recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of Neratinib-associated diarrhea, ensuring consistency with the approved prescribing information.

Participants will receive treatment for a total of six weeks, corresponding to two treatment cycles.

Metagenomic sequencing and targeted metabolomics will be performed on stool samples to investigate gut microbial composition and metabolic changes. Additional analyses will assess the association between gut-derived metabolites and immune cell activation, aiming to elucidate potential interactions among gut microbiota, metabolites, and immune responses.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital will serve as the coordinating center for this planned multicenter trial. Currently, it is the only active site, and additional participating centers will be added progressively as they are initiated.

Being tested
Probiotics, Placebo, Loperamide
Keywords
Neratinib, Probiotics, Diarrhea, Breast Cancer
Medical subject headings
Diarrhea, Breast Neoplasms

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • ProbioticsDietary supplement

    Participants in this group will receive a daily dose of probiotics as an adjunct to standard Neratinib therapy. The probiotics will be administered orally as a granule formulation dissolved in water, for a total duration of 6 weeks (two treatment cycles). Loperamide will be administered prophylactically according to the FDA-recommended schedule to prevent Neratinib-associated diarrhea. The aim is to assess the efficacy of probiotics in reducing Neratinib-induced diarrhea and improving quality of life.

  • PlaceboDietary supplement

    Participants in this group will receive a daily dose of a placebo that is identical in appearance, taste, and administration method to the probiotic granules, in addition to standard Neratinib therapy. The placebo will be administered orally as a granule formulation dissolved in water, for a total duration of 6 weeks. Loperamide will also be administered prophylactically to all participants in accordance with FDA recommendations. This group will serve as a control to evaluate the true effect of probiotics on Neratinib-induced diarrhea.

  • LoperamideDrug

    All participants will receive prophylactic loperamide to reduce the risk of Neratinib-induced diarrhea. Loperamide will be administered according to the FDA-recommended schedule: 4 mg TID for the first 14 days of treatment, then 4 mg BID from Day 15 to Day 42. This intervention is implemented as a standard supportive therapy and not as a randomized variable.

Study groups in NCT06892093
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Probiotics + Neratinib + LoperamideExperimentalNot described
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Probiotics; Drug: Loperamide
Placebo + Neratinib + LoperamidePlacebo comparatorNot described
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Placebo; Drug: Loperamide

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Incidence of Grade ≥3 Diarrhea

    The incidence of grade 3 or higher diarrhea during the 6-week treatment period, assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0.

    Measured: Up to 6 weeks

Secondary outcomes (9)
  1. Incidence of Any Grade Diarrhea

    The incidence of diarrhea of any grade during the 6-week treatment period, assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 5.0.

    Measured: Up to 6 weeks

  2. Duration of First Episode of Grade 3 Diarrhea

    The duration (in days) of the first episode of grade 3 diarrhea experienced by participants during the 6-week treatment period, assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 5.0. Duration is defined from onset to recovery (downgrade to grade ≤2).

    Measured: Up to 6 weeks

  3. Proportion of Participants Hospitalized Due to Diarrhea

    The proportion of participants who require hospitalization due to diarrhea-related complications during the treatment period.

    Measured: Up to 6 weeks

  4. Loperamide Usage Patterns

    Frequency, total dosage, and compliance of loperamide use during the treatment period, including any dose modifications or discontinuation. Data will be collected through medication records and patient diaries.

    Measured: Up to 6 weeks

  5. Change from Baseline in Overall Quality of Life Assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30

    Changes in quality of life assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The tool evaluates overall health status and functioning, including physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social domains. Higher scores in functional and global health scales indicate better quality of life, while higher scores in symptom scales indicate greater symptom burden.

    Measured: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, and 6 (End of Study)

  6. Change from Baseline in Diarrhea-Related Quality of Life Assessed by FACT-D

    Changes in diarrhea-related quality of life assessed using the FACT-D subscale of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy system. This tool specifically evaluates the severity and impact of diarrhea symptoms on patients' daily life and well-being. Higher scores indicate fewer symptoms and better diarrhea-related quality of life.

    Measured: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, and 6 (End of Study)

  7. Incidence of Treatment-Related Adverse Events (AEs)

    The incidence of treatment-related adverse events (AEs) in participants receiving probiotics plus Neratinib versus the control group. AEs, including nausea, allergic reactions, and other related symptoms, will be assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 5.0.

    Measured: Up to 6 weeks

  8. Incidence of Serious Adverse Events (SAEs)

    The incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) associated with probiotics or Neratinib treatment. SAEs, including severe allergic reactions, life-threatening complications, or hospitalizations, will be recorded and summarized to assess potential safety concerns.

    Measured: Up to 6 weeks

  9. Rate of Treatment Discontinuation Due to Adverse Events

    The proportion of participants who discontinue Neratinib treatment due to adverse events. The outcome will compare discontinuation rates between the probiotic and placebo groups to evaluate tolerability.

    Measured: Up to 6 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted24 Mar 2025
  2. Study start7 Aug 2025
  3. Primary completionJun 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
308 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06892093
Sponsor's protocol ID
SYSKY-2025-105-02
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
11 Mar 2025
Last updated
17 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Probiotics and Loperamide in people with HER2-positive Breast Cancer and Diarrhea Caused by Drug, run by Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University at 1 site in China.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 9 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Jianli Zhao (+86 15920589334, zhaojianli1988@126.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Incidence of Grade ≥3 Diarrhea (time frame: Up to 6 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Jun 2026.

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