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Microbiota Therapy

FMT + Pembrolizumab for Melanoma

Phase 2
Waitlist Available
Led By Diwakar Davar, MD
Research Sponsored by Zarour, Hassane, MD
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Patients with CNS progression (parenchymal but not leptomeningeal) are eligible if CNS metastases are treated and deemed stable (with a repeat CT/MRI imaging study) prior to the enrollment date. If radiation is used to treat CNS parenchymal disease, a 2 week washout period will apply (counted from Day 1 treatment). Stability must be confirmed with a repeat CT/MRI imaging study performed as part of the screening evaluation (at least 2 weeks after radiation). Patients with new CNS metastases identified during screening are ineligible.
Consent to receive FMT administered endoscopically (colonoscopically) and undergo necessary bowel preparation pre-procedure.
Must not have
Has a known history of active TB (Bacillus Tuberculosis).
Has a history of (non-infectious) pneumonitis that was life-threatening and/or required invasive support (CTCAE grade 4 or greater) or current pneumonitis.
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 4 years
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial is testing if FMT can help the body fight cancer.

Who is the study for?
Adults with advanced melanoma not responding to PD-1 immunotherapy can join this trial. They must be receiving pembrolizumab or nivolumab, have stable brain metastases if present, and agree to a fecal transplant via colonoscopy. Pregnant women, those with severe allergies or autoimmune diseases, and patients with certain serious health conditions are excluded.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The study is testing whether adding a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) to the existing PD-1 immunotherapy (pembrolizumab/nivolumab) helps improve the body's cancer-fighting abilities in melanoma patients who haven't responded well to treatment.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects include reactions related to FMT such as infection risk from donor stool, allergic reactions, and possible long-term risks like obesity or autoimmune disorders. Colonoscopy risks include perforation and pneumonia.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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My brain metastases are stable and treated, with no new growths found during screening.
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I agree to have a fecal transplant via a colonoscopy and prepare my bowel for it.
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I am 18 years old or older.
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I am fully active or restricted in physically strenuous activity but can do light work.
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I have advanced melanoma that cannot be removed by surgery, but it's not in my eyes or mucous membranes.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have an active tuberculosis infection.
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I have had severe lung inflammation that was life-threatening or needed intensive care.
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I currently have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it recently.
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I do not have serious illnesses like heart disease, bleeding disorders, severe lung problems, active infections, or inflammatory bowel diseases.
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I am HIV positive.
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My cancer is stable or improving on PD-1 therapy.
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I am currently being treated for an infection.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~4 years
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 4 years for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Objective Response Rate (ORR)
Secondary outcome measures
Change in Innate/adaptive immune system subsets
Body Weight Changes
Function of T-cells
+3 more
Other outcome measures
Association of PD-1 response with (common) gut microbiota

Trial Design

1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) with PembrolizumabExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
The FMT along with an intestinal biopsy will be performed as outpatient by a gastroenterologist. The FMT is infused into the colon by performing a colonoscopy. FMT will be performed on Cycle 1 Day 1 and will take 15 to 30 minutes. Pembrolizumab, 200mg, through an IV over 30 minutes on Cycle 1 Day 1 (same day as the FMT), and then again on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for an additional 3 cycles (Cycles 2 - 4).

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Zarour, Hassane, MDLead Sponsor
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLCIndustry Sponsor
3,919 Previous Clinical Trials
5,068,245 Total Patients Enrolled
120 Trials studying Melanoma
21,984 Patients Enrolled for Melanoma
Diwakar Davar, MD5.01 ReviewsPrincipal Investigator - Univ of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh
7 Previous Clinical Trials
245 Total Patients Enrolled
6 Trials studying Melanoma
219 Patients Enrolled for Melanoma
5Patient Review
Dr. Davar is very patient and caring, which is reassuring given my recent cancer diagnosis. He always takes the time to explain things to me so that I can understand them.

Media Library

Fecal Microbiota Transplant (Microbiota Therapy) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT03341143 — Phase 2
Melanoma Research Study Groups: Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) with Pembrolizumab
Melanoma Clinical Trial 2023: Fecal Microbiota Transplant Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT03341143 — Phase 2
Fecal Microbiota Transplant (Microbiota Therapy) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT03341143 — Phase 2
~2 spots leftby Jul 2025