Human trial to test if fibre supplements can alleviate breast cancer brain fog

Researchers at SAHMRI and Adelaide University are looking for South Australian women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, to take part in a new trial seeking to answer if a simple fibre supplement can reduce some of the detrimental cognitive effects that can be brought on by chemotherapy.

Women with breast cancer are often prescribed long-term therapies to reduce the risk of their cancer returning. While these treatments are highly effective, they commonly cause ongoing side effects.

Trial leader, Dr Courtney Cross, says memory problems, reduced concentration and mental fatigue can persist well beyond active treatment and have a significant impact on quality of life.

“Women tell us that brain fog can affect their ability to work, study and even manage day to day tasks,” Dr Cross said.

“For many, it is one of the most frustrating and unexpected long-term side effects of cancer treatment.”

Previous research led by Dr Cross and colleagues has shown that the health of the gut microbiome plays an important role in whether women develop brain fog following chemotherapy.

“Chemotherapy can disrupt the balance and diversity of gut bacteria. Our earlier work showed that women with a less diverse gut microbiome were more likely to report cognitive symptoms after chemotherapy,” Dr Cross said.

“That finding led us to ask whether protecting the gut microbiome could help protect the brain.”

The team is now investigating whether daily fibre supplementation can help preserve gut microbiome health during the post-treatment period and reduce brain fog.

“Dietary fibre supports beneficial gut bacteria, which produce compounds that help regulate inflammation and support communication between the gut and the brain,” Dr Cross said.

“Fibre is a simple and widely accessible way to nourish the gut microbiome. This could offer women a simple, low-cost strategy to manage these symptoms.”

The trial is open to South Australian women who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 6 to 24 months and have completed chemotherapy. Participants will take a daily fibre supplement for three months, while researchers track changes in cognitive symptoms and overall wellbeing to measure its impact.

If you would like to participate in the trial, please complete the expression of interest form.