NCT04038619 · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Treating Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitor Induced-Diarrhea or Colitis in Genitourinary Cancer Patients
What this study is about
This trial studies how well fecal microbiota transplantation works in treating diarrhea or colitis (inflammation of the intestines) that is caused by certain types of medications (called immune-checkpoint inhibitors) in patients with genitourinary cancer. Fecal microbiota transplantation may effectively reduce the incidence of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced diarrhea/colitis.
View original scientific description
This trial studies how well fecal microbiota transplantation works in treating diarrhea or colitis (inflammation of the intestines) that is caused by certain types of medications (called immune-checkpoint inhibitors) in patients with genitourinary cancer. Fecal microbiota transplantation may effectively reduce the incidence of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced diarrhea/colitis.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 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
- Treatment with any ICPI agent(s)
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- Ability to understand and willingness to sign an informed consent form
- Life expectancy \> 6 months
Exclusion criteria
- Age younger than 18 years
- Participants with persistent GI infection confirmed with positive stool test(s) despite completing 5 days of antibiotics prior to initiation of protocol therapy
- History of inflammatory bowel disease, and/or radiation enteritis or colitis with active disease status at the time of study treatment initiation
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- 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
- Immunosuppressive treatment at onset of ICPI-induced diarrhea/colitis
- 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.
- Participants who develop concurrent non-GI toxicity at the time of study treatment
- Donors at risk for monkeypox infection and/ or exposure as determined by a questionnaire
Where
- Houston, Texas
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 20, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations