Diarrhea in patients with MTC (Medullary Thyroid Cancer) can be debilitating and, in some cases life threatening. Findings in such patients include volume depletion, renal insufficiency, and electrolyte disorders. Diarrhea can also lead to increased cost of care, reduced quality of life, and treatment delays. Not all patients benefit from conventional anti-diarrheal therapy. CASAD is proven to reduce diarrhea in humans and animals. Clays have water-binding effects, increase the absorptive capacity of the intestinal mucosa, and absorb the excess cytokines which are possible mechanisms of diarrhea in MTC. In this study, we will investigate if starting 1 g CASAD three times a day will ameliorate the severity of diarrhea in patients with MTC. Diarrhea in patients with MTC can be debilitating and, in some cases life threatening. Findings in such patients include volume depletion, renal insufficiency, and electrolyte disorders. We hypothesize that adding CASAD 3 grams/day will reduce the incidence and ameliorate the severity of diarrhea in patients with MTC.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
CASAD is provided in 500mg capsules.
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States
RECRUITINGEfficacy in treatment of diarrhea
To evaluate the efficacy of CASAD 3 grams per day in reducing the severity of diarrhea after 1 week of treatment in patients with MTC.
Time frame: 1 week
Functional impact of CASAD
To explore the functional impact of CASAD and the relative impact of diarrhea in relation to other symptom issues using MDASI-THY (M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Thyroid, appendix D)
Time frame: 1 week
Effect on thyroid function tests
To explore the effect of CASAD on thyroid function tests, thyroid hormone and calcium absorption
Time frame: 1 week
Changes in MDASI-THY scores
To examine changes in MDASI-THY scores after treatment with CASAD
Time frame: 1 week
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