Insights from Bacterial 16S rRNA Gene into Bacterial Genera and Predicted Metabolic Pathways Associated with Stool Consistency in Rectal Cancer Patients: A Proof of Concept.

PURPOSE: To examine if gut microbial taxa abundances and predicted functional pathways correlate with Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) classification at the end of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CRT) for rectal cancer. METHODS: Rectal cancer patients (n = 39) provided stool samples for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Stool consistency was evaluated using the BSFS. Gut microbiome data were analyzed using QIIME2. Correlation analysis were performed in R. RESULTS: At the genus level, Staphylococcus positively correlates (Spearman's rho = 0.26), while Anaerofustis, Roseburia, Peptostreptococcaceae unclassified, Ruminococcaceae UBA1819, Shuttleworthia, Ca. Soleaferrea, Anaerostignum, Oscillibacter, and Akkermansia negatively correlate with BSFS scores (Spearman's rho -0.20 to -0.42). Predicted pathways, including mycothiol biosynthesis and sucrose degradation III (sucrose invertase), were positively correlated with BSFS (Spearman's rho = 0.03-0.21). CONCLUSION: The data support that in rectal cancer patients, stool consistency is an important factor to include in microbiome studies. Loose/liquid stools may be linked to Staphylococcus abundance and to mycothiol biosynthesis and sucrose degradation pathways.

Validation of the Spanish version of the Cancer Symptom Scale in Hispanic cancer patients.

AIM: To assess the validity of the translated Spanish Cancer Symptom Scale. BACKGROUND: Instruments to facilitate comprehensive and objective assessments of the cancer symptom experience in underrepresented populations are essential. METHODS: The Cancer Symptom Scale was translated into Spanish, and a back translation was conducted. During June 2016, a sample of 121 Hispanic Puerto Rican patients with any cancer diagnosis, all undergoing cancer treatments, completed four paper surveys. A subgroup of 15 patients agreed to complete the Spanish Cancer Symptom Scale a second time after a short delay of 1 to 2 hours. Construct validity and reliability (internal consistency via Cronbach alpha and test-retest reliability) was evaluated. RESULTS: All the Intensity Items of the Spanish Cancer Symptom Scale correlated significantly with the matched items on the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory. In a subgroup of 77 participants, each Cancer Symptom Scale subscale total of scores correlated significantly with the total scores from the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General. Discriminant validity was demonstrated between those receiving chemotherapy and those from post treatment. The Spanish Cancer Symptom Scale internal consistency reliability was 0.98. CONCLUSION: The Spanish Cancer Symptom Scale has excellent evidence of validity and reliability for assessing cancer-therapy-related symptoms.