Diet changes to improve immune therapy outcomes in melanoma patients

Prebiotic diet intervention to enhance the microbiome and immunotherapy response in melanoma

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10939497

This study is looking at how eating certain prebiotic foods can help improve gut health and boost the effectiveness of cancer treatments for patients with metastatic melanoma, so you'll get support on how to add these foods to your diet while you continue your regular therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10939497 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how a prebiotic diet can enhance the gut microbiome and improve responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with metastatic melanoma. By providing specific prebiotic foods and nutritional counseling, the study aims to support beneficial gut microbes that may enhance the immune response during cancer treatment. Patients will be guided on how to implement and maintain this dietary intervention alongside their standard cancer therapies. The approach is based on evidence that gut microbiome profiles can influence treatment outcomes and side effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma who are receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing immunotherapy or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment responses and reduced side effects for melanoma patients undergoing immunotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy responses through dietary interventions, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.