Treating colitis in cancer patients using infliximab or vedolizumab

Treatment of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Colitis With Infliximab or Vedolizumab: A Randomized Trial

PHASE1; PHASE2 · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT04407247

This study is testing whether two medications, infliximab and vedolizumab, can help cancer patients with colitis caused by their cancer treatment feel better and stay healthy.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1; PHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center (other)
Drugs / interventionsinfliximab, vedolizumab, radiation, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04407247 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness and safety of infliximab and vedolizumab in treating immune checkpoint inhibitor-related colitis in patients with genitourinary cancers or melanoma. Participants will be randomized to receive either infliximab or vedolizumab intravenously over a series of weeks. The study aims to assess clinical remission rates, safety, and the potential for tapering corticosteroids. Additionally, it will explore long-term outcomes and changes in immunological and microbiome profiles.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with genitourinary cancer or melanoma who have experienced significant immune-related diarrhea or colitis after receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Not a fit: Patients with active gastrointestinal infections or those who do not meet the criteria for immune-related diarrhea or colitis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from colitis induced by cancer immunotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using monoclonal antibodies for treating immune-related adverse events, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients who receive any type of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy
* Patients with peak grade \>= 2 immune-related diarrhea and/or colitis (according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0 within 45 days prior to initiation of study treatment (infliximab/ vedolizumab)
* Patients with ability to understand and willingness to sign informed consent
* Patients with genitourinary cancer or melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer
* No concern for active concomitant GI infection for immune-related diarrhea and/or colitis work up at the time of protocol therapy initiation as confirmed by stool tests or as per the treating physician based on clinical presentation
* Patient who has been cleared for enrollment by Infectious Diseases consultant or treating physician if positive infection workup or screening tests (e.g. lifelong positive T-spot due to BCG inoculation, chronic colonization) prior to initiation of diarrhea/colitis treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients younger than 18 years of age
* Patients with persistent gastrointestinal infection confirmed with positive testing despite completing 5 days of antibiotics
* Patients are on concurrent immunosuppressive therapies other than what will be given for colitis
* Patients with preexisting activehistory of inflammatory bowel disease and/or radiation enterocolitis with active disease status at the time of study treatment initiation
* Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and
* Women of child-bearing potential who have positive urine or serum pregnancy test or refuse to do pregnancy test unless last menstrual cycle was \> 1 year prior to consent and/ or clear documentation states that patient is peri- or post-menopausal or there was recent supporting objective evidence of 'no pregnancy' status (e.g. blood or imaging) within 30 days prior to initiation of study treatment
* Patients who develop concurrent non-GI toxicity at the time of study treatment initiation

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Colitis, Lung Non-Small Cell Carcinoma, Malignant Genitourinary System Neoplasm, Malignant Solid Neoplasm, Melanoma

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.