Fecal Transplants Relieved Immunotherapy Colitis
A clinical trial found that fecal microbiota transplantation helped patients with cancer treatment-related side effects.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Cancer
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A phase 1/2 clinical trial concluded in April 2024 found that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) successfully treated diarrhea and colitis caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors. The procedure allowed most participants to safely resume their cancer treatment regimens.
Why it matters
Immunotherapy-related colitis often forces patients to stop vital cancer treatments, creating a significant clinical challenge. This study demonstrates a potential strategy to resolve these side effects and help patients continue their necessary medical care.
In a study of 13 patients, 76.9% achieved a clinical response with symptoms improving in a median of 1.5 days. Fecal calprotectin levels fell from a median of 416 mcg/g to 146 mcg/g following the intervention.
The players
MD Anderson Cancer Center
This Houston-based institution is a global leader in cancer research and served as the site for the clinical trial.
The details
Patients received 50 grams of donor stool via colonoscopy to address intestinal inflammation resulting from immune checkpoint inhibitors. Researchers monitored progress through the analysis of patient blood, stool, and colon tissue throughout the study.
Timeline
The clinical trial study period spanned from June 2021 to April 2024.
Patients experienced a median time to symptom improvement of 1.5 days.
The median time from the onset of colitis to receiving the FMT was 26 days.
Participants were tracked for a median follow-up duration of 6.5 months.
The Big Picture
This research aligns with the MD Anderson Cancer Center immune-related adverse event research protocols to mitigate complications from cancer care. It represents a shift toward utilizing microbiome interventions to address systemic side effects arising from advanced oncology treatments.
This procedure offers a potential alternative for patients struggling with immunotherapy-induced colitis that is otherwise non-responsive to conventional care. Successfully managing these side effects allows patients to continue their primary cancer treatments without prolonged interruptions.
The takeaway
Fecal microbiota transplantation may provide a rapid solution for patients dealing with severe immunotherapy-related gastrointestinal issues. Patients experiencing persistent colitis should discuss the availability of clinical trials with their oncology team.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing research into Cancer and new treatment methodologies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medscape.
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