Using Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Fiber to Treat Graft-versus-host Disease After Stem Cell Transplants
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Fiber for the Treatment of Graft-versus-host Disease After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
This work explores how giving patients healthy gut bacteria and fiber might help manage graft-versus-host disease, a common issue after stem cell transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137074 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
After a stem cell transplant, many patients experience graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a serious complication where the new immune cells attack the patient's body. We know that changes in gut bacteria are linked to GvHD, and earlier observations suggest that replacing gut bacteria through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could be helpful. This project aims to understand how different ways of delivering FMT, like oral capsules, affect the gut bacteria and whether adding dietary fiber can help maintain a healthy gut environment. We also want to learn more about how these changes in gut bacteria might improve patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be patients who have undergone an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and are experiencing graft-versus-host disease.
Not a fit: Patients who have not received an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation or are not experiencing graft-versus-host disease would not directly benefit from this specific treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new and effective way to treat graft-versus-host disease, improving recovery and quality of life for patients after stem cell transplantation.
How similar studies have performed: Observational studies have shown promising results for fecal microbiota transplantation in repopulating gut bacteria in stem cell transplant recipients with GvHD, suggesting this is a promising, though still developing, area.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fredricks, David Neal — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Fredricks, David Neal
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 below.