Can a dose of healthy gut bacteria supercharge cancer immunotherapy?
NCT ID NCT03686202
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests a treatment called MET-4, which is a defined mix of live bacteria from a healthy donor's stool, given to cancer patients alongside standard immunotherapy. The goal is to see if it is safe and can improve how well the immune system fights solid tumors. About 65 adults with advanced solid tumors will participate, and researchers will measure changes in gut bacteria and any side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- MET-4 (a defined mixture of live intestinal bacteria from a healthy donor)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy in solid tumors by improving the gut microbiome.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early feasibility study with only 65 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Adding bacteria could also cause side effects like infections or digestive issues.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada