Optimal Selenium for Bowel Polyps (OSCAR)

Overview

New Zealand (NZ) has high bowel cancer rates, which the Bowel Screening Programme aims to reduce by early detection of bowel cancer and its precursor, adenomas (polyps). Bowel cancer and adenoma rates are higher in countries like NZ with low intake of the essential trace mineral selenium. Overseas, trials of selenium supplements reduced adenoma recurrence in people with low blood selenium, but not with high levels (where adding selenium increased health risks). Laboratory research explained this, and found certain types of selenium are safer and more effective. The optimal type and dose of selenium to use in NZ cancer prevention trials is not known. The goal of this clinical trial is to find out how to achieve the optimal amount of body selenium in people who have had a high risk bowel adenoma removed. The main questions it aims to answer are: * what dose of selenium taken by mouth will maximise levels of the main selenium protein in blood; * whether one type of organic selenium is better than the other at increasing blood levels of this selenium protein; * whether a larger dose of selenium is needed in people who start with lower blood selenium levels; Participants will take one selenium capsule a day for 6 weeks then two capsules a day for 6 weeks. Each participant will have blood tests at baseline, then blood tests and evaluation of side effects at 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Researchers will compare these results in the participants taking each type of selenium (selenomethionine or methylselenocysteine).

The main aim of this trial is to evaluate which dose and type of selenium (Se), either selenomethionine or methylselenocysteine, achieves optimal selenium status, in order to maximise its potential for cancer prevention without causing health problems from excessive Se intake. The trial will also evaluate how much Se is needed according to Se blood levels before starting Se in the trial, adverse events and recruitment rates. This trial will recruit 60 participants from Middlemore and Waikato Hospitals with at least one advanced colorectal adenoma removed through the Bowel Screening Programme. Participants will be randomised (1:1) to take either selenomethionine or methylselenocysteine, dosed at Se 50 mcg/day for 6 weeks then 100 mcg/day for 6 weeks. Co-primary objectives: To determine whether: 1. Se 50 µg/day for 6 weeks significantly increases plasma selenoprotein P (SEPP) from baseline; 2. the increase in plasma SEPP from baseline is greater with Se 100 µg/day than 50 µg/day only when baseline plasma Se is below the median value for the trial population; 3. the increase in plasma SEPP from baseline is not different between MSC and SLM at each dose level. Secondary objectives: To determine: 1. change in plasma Se levels by Se type and dose; 2. change in white blood cell DNA damage from baseline by Se type and dose; 3. feasibility (assessed by recruitment rates, adverse events, compliance with trial medication and participant experience). Trial assessments: * blood tests at baseline, then 6 weeks and 12 weeks after initiating Se dosing; * adverse events and trial medication compliance assessed 6 weeks and 12 weeks after initiating Se dosing; * participant experience survey on completion of trial medication dosing.