Soy-Tomato Juice for Pancreatitis

(STOP Trial)

This trial tests whether a soy-tomato juice is tolerable and beneficial for individuals with recurrent acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis. Researchers aim to determine if regular consumption of this juice can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. Participants will drink the soy-tomato juice for a set period, with both participants and researchers aware of the consumption. Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic or recurrent acute pancreatitis who can fully participate in the study might be a good fit. As a Phase 1 and Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people and measuring its effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking insights.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are using systemic immunomodulatory medication daily, you cannot participate in the trial.

Research has shown that drinking soy-tomato juice might help reduce inflammation in people with pancreatitis. In previous studies, participants who included soy-tomato juice in their diet experienced a noticeable drop in substances like IL-5 and TNF-alpha, which are linked to inflammation and pain.

These studies also suggest that the juice is generally well-tolerated, with no major side effects reported. Participants did not experience serious problems. The main goal was to determine if people could drink the juice without issues and if it could alleviate symptoms like pain.

Soy-tomato juice is unique because it combines soy and tomatoes to leverage their natural anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for treating pancreatitis. Unlike traditional treatments that often involve medications like enzyme supplements and pain management, this approach uses a dietary intervention with soy and lycopene (from tomatoes) as active ingredients. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it offers a non-pharmaceutical option that may reduce inflammation naturally, potentially leading to fewer side effects and a more holistic approach to managing pancreatitis. This innovative method could complement existing treatments, providing a novel way to alleviate symptoms.

Research shows that a diet rich in soy and tomatoes might help reduce inflammation and pain for people with chronic pancreatitis. Earlier studies in mice found that this diet improved health compared to a regular diet. In human studies, drinking tomato-soy juice for four weeks significantly lowered certain proteins linked to inflammation, including IL-5, IL-12p70, and GM-CSF. The juice also increased levels of lycopene, a beneficial compound in tomatoes. This trial will evaluate the effects of soy-tomato juice on inflammation in pancreatitis, building on these promising findings.¹²³⁴⁵