A major new trial has begun that will see scientists explore if a chemical mostly found in red grapes and products made from the grapes like wine can help prevent bowel cancer. The study called Colo-Prevent has already been hailed as a “unique experiment” which could have “big implications” for people at risk of the disease. Alongside looking to see if it can prevent bowel cancer, it will also look at other potential treatments to prevent bowel cancer, including aspirin and metformin, a medication prescribed to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar.
It is hoped that about 1,300 patients will participate in the trial across 60 locations in England and Wales by the start of 2028. Researchers will use purified resveratrol, which is a natural compound mostly found in red grapes, as well as blueberries, raspberries and peanuts. Karen Brown, a professor of translational cancer research at the University of Leicester, is leading the study.
Her previous research found that purified resveratrol can hinder the growth of cancer cells in small doses. “With the Colo-Prevent trial, we are embarking on a unique experiment to see how drugs could stop bowel polyps from growing,” Prof Brown said. “This trial could have big implications for how we prevent bowel cancer in people who are most likely to develop the disease as they get older.
” Experts are recruiting people aged between 50 and 73 who have taken part in the NHS bowel screening programme and been f.
