Study of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation to Reduce Chemotherapy Side Effects in Adults with Advanced Gastrointestinal Cancers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether fecal microbiota transplantation FMT can help treat gastrointestinal symptoms caused by chemotherapy or targeted therapy in patients with gastrointestinal cancers. This Phase 1 trial aims to evaluate the effect of FMT on the gastrointestinal tract in these patients, focusing on those with advanced gastrointestinal tumors. The goal is to understand how FMT might reduce side effects linked to cancer treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group continues their usual chemotherapy or targeted therapy cycles every three weeks for five cycles, with treatment effectiveness assessed after every two cycles. The experimental group receives FMT starting from the fourth treatment cycle, with capsules containing donor gut bacteria given orally within three days before chemotherapy during the fourth, sixth, and eighth cycles. Each FMT dose includes about 40 grams of bacteria encapsulated into 120 capsules, taken over a short period during each treatment cycle. Throughout the study, patients undergo regular assessments to track gastrointestinal symptoms and gut microbiota changes. Researchers monitor the incidence and improvement of gastrointestinal side effects at 4 and 8 weeks after FMT. They also analyze gut microbiota diversity and its correlation with symptom improvement. Participants are followed during treatment cycles and for a post-treatment period to evaluate these outcomes, with safety and organ function closely observed.

A Real-World Study of Fecal Transplants for Cancer Therapy Side Effects