NCT07044310 · Mayo Clinic
5-strain Probiotic Formulation in HR-positive Breast Cancer Receiving Aromatase Inhibitor to Prevent Bone Loss
What this study is about
This phase II trial tests how well a probiotic, WBF-038, works in preventing bone loss in patients with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who are starting treatment with aromatase inhibitors. Aromatase inhibitors are a drug that blocks the activity of an enzyme called aromatase, which the body uses to make estrogen in the ovaries and other tissues.
View original scientific description
This phase II trial tests how well a probiotic, WBF-038, works in preventing bone loss in patients with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who are starting treatment with aromatase inhibitors. Aromatase inhibitors are a drug that blocks the activity of an enzyme called aromatase, which the body uses to make estrogen in the ovaries and other tissues. Blocking aromatase lowers the amount of estrogen made by the body, which may stop the growth of cancer cells that need estrogen to grow. Aromatase inhibitors are used to treat some types of breast cancer or to keep it from coming back. Aromatase inhibitors can affect bone health, weight, blood sugar, and waist size. WBF-038 is a combination of both prebiotics and probiotics, designed to improve metabolic health. Giving WBF-038 may improve bone turnover, bone health, blood sugar, weight, and waist circumference in patients with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer starting on adjuvant endocrine therapy with an aromatase inhibitor.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Female age ≥ 18 years
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0, 1, or 2
- Histologically confirmed anatomical stage 0-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
- Will be starting on an aromatase inhibitor (letrozole, anastrozole, or exemestane) ± ovarian function suppression (OFS) per treating physician's discretion
- Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1000/mm\^3 (prior to registration)
- Platelet count ≥ 75,000/mm\^3 (prior to registration)
- Hemoglobin ≥ 9.0 g/dL (prior to registration)
- Creatinine ≤ 2 x upper limit of normal (ULN) (prior to registration)
- Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) (aspartate aminotransferase \[AST\]) ≤ 2 x ULN (prior to registration)
- Albumin ≥ 3 g/dL (prior to registration)
- Willing and able to provide research stool and blood samples
- Negative serum pregnancy test done ≤ 7 days prior to registration, for women of childbearing potential only (\< 60 years old with intact uterus)
- Capable of providing valid informed consent
- Willing to return to enrolling institution for all study visits (blood draws, etc)
Exclusion criteria
- Requires prolonged systemic antibiotic therapy for other conditions and recent systemic antibiotic ≤ 14 days prior to registration
- Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) ≤ 6 months prior to registration
- FMT with an associated serious adverse event related to the FMT product or procedure
- Co-morbid systemic illnesses or other severe concurrent diseases which, in the judgment of the investigator, would make the patient inappropriate for entry into this study or interfere significantly with the proper assessment of safety and toxicity of over-the-counter probiotics
- Immunocompromised patients including patients known to be HIV positive or those on chronic steroids \> 20 mg prednisone a day or prednisone-equivalent. Note: Must be off systemic steroids ≥ 90 days prior to registration. However, topical steroids, inhalants, or steroid eye drops are permitted
- History of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or microscopic colitis
- History of chronic diarrhea
- History of celiac disease
- Currently has a colostomy
- Intraabdominal surgery related to gastrointestinal tract ≤ 60 days prior to registration
- Evidence of active, severe colitis
- History of short gut syndrome or motility disorders
- Requires the daily use of medications to manage bowel hypermotility, such as imodium or lomotil
- Active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the ≤ 30 days (i.e., with the use of disease-modifying agents, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive products) prior to registration. Note: Replacement therapy (e.g., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency) is not considered a form of systemic treatment. Patients with vitiligo, Graves' disease, or psoriasis not requiring systemic treatment ≤ 30 days prior to registration are not excluded
- History of osteoporosis or hyperparathyroidism
- History of untreated vitamin D deficiency
- Receiving or will receive bisphosphonates during study period (alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, pamidronate, or zolendronic acid) or denosumab
- Patients who received oral bisphosphonate within ≤ 12 weeks, intravenous (IV) zoledronic acid (Reclast) ≤ 52 weeks, or denosumab ≤ 24 weeks will also be excluded
- Known hypersensitivity to any component of study product (including known inulin intolerance)
- Known hypersensitivity to \> 4 first-line antimicrobial therapies against akkermansia muciniphila, clostridium beijerinckii, clostridium butyricum, anaerobutyricum hallii, including penicillin, piperacillin, tetracycline, amoxicillin, or ampicillin
- Known hypersensitivity to \> 4 first line antimicrobial therapies against bifidobacterium infantis Bi-26TM, including gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, ampicillin, vancomycin
- Received an experimental product ≤ 30 days prior to registration
- Receiving or will receive CDK 4/6 inhibitor (abemaciclib, ribociclib, or palbociclib)
- Received chemotherapy ≤ 30 days prior to registration
Where
- Jacksonville, Florida
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 29, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations