Using fecal microbiota transplantation to treat diarrhea or colitis in cancer patients
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) for Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitor Induced-Diarrhea/Colitis in Genitourinary Cancer Patients
This study is testing whether a treatment using healthy gut bacteria can help cancer patients with diarrhea or colitis caused by their cancer treatment feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | Infliximab, Vedolizumab, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT04038619 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating diarrhea or colitis caused by immune-checkpoint inhibitors in patients with genitourinary cancers. The study aims to assess the safety and tolerability of FMT, as well as its efficacy in achieving clinical and endoscopic remission of immune-related gastrointestinal symptoms. Participants will receive loperamide before undergoing FMT via colonoscopy, and they will be monitored for recurrence of symptoms and changes in their microbiome. Follow-up assessments will occur at specified intervals post-treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with genitourinary cancers who are experiencing grade 2 or higher diarrhea or colitis due to immune-checkpoint inhibitors.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have immune-checkpoint inhibitor-induced gastrointestinal symptoms or those with severe non-GI toxicity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the management of immune-checkpoint inhibitor-induced gastrointestinal side effects in cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of fecal microbiota transplantation is a novel approach in this context, similar studies have shown promise in treating other conditions related to gut health.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of any type of genitourinary (kidney, bladder and prostate), melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, lung, head \& neck, sarcoma/lymphoma, gastrointestinal system (luminal GI, hepatobiliary, pancreas), gynecology system (ovarian, uterine, cervical), and breast malignancies 2. Treatment with any ICPI agent(s) 3. Participants with new onset of ≥ grade 2 ICPI-induced diarrhea and/or colitis symptoms based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5 within 45 days prior to date of FMT treatment without involvement of non- GI toxicity 4. Participants with a history of steroid use before FMT can be allowed if last dose was \> 30 days prior to FMT treatment or treatment duration was for \<7 days beyond one week prior to FMT treatment 5. Participants with a history of immunosuppressant (Infliximab, Vedolizumab etc) use before FMT can be allowed if last dose was administered ≥ 3 months prior to FMT treatment when used for the treatment of conditions other than for ICI- induced GI toxicities (e.g., Infliximab is used in the treatment of Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and Vedolizumab is used in treating ulcerative colitis) 6. No concern for active concomitant GI infection at the time of initiation of protocol therapy as confirmed by stool tests or as per the treating physician based on clinical presentation 7. Patient 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 protocol therapy and/ or imaging (e.g. CXR, CT CAP etc) confirms the absence of active infections (e.g. TB) within 60 days prior to initiation of protocol therapy 8. Ability to understand and willingness to sign an informed consent form 9. Life expectancy \> 6 months Exclusion Criteria 1. Age younger than 18 years 2. Participants with persistent GI infection confirmed with positive stool test(s) despite completing 5 days of antibiotics prior to initiation of protocol therapy 3. History of inflammatory bowel disease, and/or radiation enteritis or colitis with active disease status at the time of study treatment initiation 4. Pregnant and breastfeeding women 5. Women 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 participant is peri- or post-menopausal or there has been recent supporting objective evidence of 'no pregnancy' status (e.g. blood or imaging) within 30 days prior to date of study treatment 6. Immunosuppressive treatment at onset of ICPI-induced diarrhea/colitis 7. Any medical conditions (e.g. severe heart failure, brain hemorrhage, septic shock, etc.) that are high risk for colonoscopy procedure by the assessment of the study PI or Co-PIs. 8. Participants who develop concurrent non-GI toxicity at the time of study treatment 9. Donors at risk for monkeypox infection and/ or exposure as determined by a questionnaire
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- M D Anderson Cancer Center — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yinghong Wang — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Yinghong Wang
- Email: ywang59@mdanderson.org
- Phone: 281-221-9138
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.