Diet changes to improve immune therapy outcomes in melanoma patients
Official title: Prebiotic diet intervention to enhance the microbiome and immunotherapy response in melanoma
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10939497 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $678,399 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA291965-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939497 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma who are receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing immunotherapy or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daniel-Macdougall, Carrie — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Daniel-Macdougall, Carrie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Overcoming Melanoma Treatment Resistance with a Special IL-18 Approach
A Yale-led project tests a special engineered IL-18 immune signal to help melanoma patients who don’t fully respond to current therapies.
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Prebiotic diet to boost gut health and improve immunotherapy response in melanoma
A diet-based approach using prebiotic foods and nutrition counseling is studied alongside standard immunotherapy to help melanoma patients respond better and reduce side effects.
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New approach to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in melanoma
A new strategy targets a key pathway in melanoma to boost the effectiveness of immune-based therapies for patients whose cancer resists treatment.
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Multivalent circular mRNA vaccines for melanoma immunotherapy
A cancer vaccine approach using tiny circular mRNA vaccines aimed at boosting immune responses against melanoma in combination with existing immunotherapies.
-
Lymph Node–Targeted Co-delivery for Melanoma Immunotherapy
Aimed at improving melanoma treatment, this project tests a targeted vaccine approach that helps the body’s immune system better attack skin cancer.
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Multifunctional nanoparticles to boost melanoma immunotherapy
A new nanoparticle approach using ultrasound-triggered systems aims to make melanoma immunotherapy work better for patients who don’t respond well to current treatments.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.