Fecal Transplant Eased Immunotherapy-Related Colitis
A clinical trial showed promise for patients experiencing severe gut inflammation from common cancer treatments.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Cancer
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A phase 1/2 clinical trial conducted through April 2024 found that fecal microbiota transplantation helped patients suffering from immune checkpoint inhibitor-mediated colitis. Most participants were able to resume their cancer treatments following the procedure.
Why it matters
This study addressed the challenge of managing immunotherapy-related gut inflammation, which often forces patients to pause life-saving cancer treatment. By restoring gut health, this intervention helped a majority of patients get back to their primary cancer therapy.
In a phase 1/2 clinical trial of 13 patients, 76.9% achieved a clinical response after receiving a fecal microbiota transplant. Researchers observed a median symptom improvement time of 1.5 days, with 80% of initial responders maintaining remission for 6.5 months.
The players
MD Anderson Cancer Center
A comprehensive cancer research and treatment institution based in Houston that conducted the trial.
The details
Patients received 50 grams of donor stool via colonoscopy to modulate the gut microbiome, which is often disrupted by immune checkpoint inhibitors. By introducing healthy microbial diversity, the treatment aimed to reduce inflammation in the colon. Researchers confirmed the biological effect by tracking decreases in fecal calprotectin, a protein marker of intestinal inflammation, alongside analysis of blood and colon tissue.
Timeline
The clinical trial study period spanned June 2021 to April 2024.
The median time to symptom improvement for participants was 1.5 days.
Patients received the procedure a median of 26 days after colitis onset.
The median duration of participant follow-up was 6.5 months.
Health Landscape
This research expands the clinical evaluation of immunotherapy-related toxicities by testing biological interventions to preserve treatment continuity. It builds on the growing field of microbiome research that seeks to mitigate side effects while maintaining the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs.
Patients experiencing persistent diarrhea or abdominal pain during immunotherapy should discuss these symptoms with their oncology team to evaluate potential colitis. This study highlights the importance of monitoring gut inflammation, as early management can be vital for continuing cancer therapy.
The takeaway
This preliminary study demonstrates that modifying the gut microbiome may successfully treat immunotherapy-induced colitis while allowing patients to resume cancer care. If you are undergoing immunotherapy, keep a log of any digestive changes to review with your doctor as a potential sign of treatment-related side effects.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Cancer research and clinical care.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medscape.
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