Using gut bacteria to improve cancer treatment for solid tumors
Therapy with fecal microbiota transplantation and immune checkpoint blockade for solid tumors
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11139449
This research explores if changing gut bacteria through fecal microbiota transplantation can help immune checkpoint medicines work better for people with solid tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11139449 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people with solid tumors like melanoma and lung cancer don't respond to standard immune checkpoint medicines. We know that the types of bacteria in a person's gut might affect how well these medicines work. This project aims to understand how gut bacteria influence the immune system's fight against cancer. We are testing if transplanting beneficial gut bacteria can make immune checkpoint medicines more effective for patients whose cancers have not responded to these treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with solid tumors, such as melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer, whose cancers have not responded to immune checkpoint blockade treatments.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors are responding well to current immune checkpoint therapies or who have not yet received such treatments may not receive direct benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new way to help patients with solid tumors who currently do not benefit from immune checkpoint therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that fecal microbiota transplantation can help resensitize melanoma patients to anti-PD1 medicines, and a first-in-human phase II study reported clinical benefit in some patients.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZAROUR, HASSANE M — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: ZAROUR, HASSANE M
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.