Collagenase Biobank Study

The purpose of this study is to collect stool, blood, and tissue samples both before and after patients undergo surgery for colon cancer. These samples will be analyzed for their bacterial composition and function, and assayed for bacterial-derived metabolites. Additionally, these samples will be tested in the laboratory for their ability to promote tumor formation in cancer cells and in animal models of surgery. Finally, patients will undergo nutritional surveys to document their current nutritional intake. Integration of the patient's nutritional intake with the data from the analyzed biospecimens will allow the researchers to determine if these bacteria and/or their metabolites are more prevalent in patients who eat certain diets. Taken together, results from this study will provide knowledge as to the mechanisms by which tumors form after surgery and potentially allow for future therapies to prevent it.