Faecal microbiota transplantation to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitor response in solid cancers: a systematic review
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Updated: Nov 4, 2026
Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model
Published on: April 6, 2022
Emma Vang Frandsen1, Christian Lodberg Hvas2, Simon Mark Dahl Baunwall3
1Aarhus University, Nordre Ringgade 1, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus, 8200, Denmark.
Background:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are pivotal in cancer treatment, but some patients develop resistance. In this systematic review, we aimed to summarise efficacy and safety of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to enhance ICI therapy responses in patients with solid cancers.
Methods:
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science on May 12, 2025 for studies evaluating FMT in combination with ICI for solid cancers.
Results:
We included five clinical trials, of which none included comparator therapy, describing 78 patients. Notably, some patients previously refractory to anti-PD-1 therapy achieved partial or complete responses following FMT combined with ICIs. Assessing safety, 76% had grade 1-2 adverse events, and grade ≥3 events were only observed after ICI initiation.
Conclusion:
Small uncontrolled studies indicate a potential effect for FMT to enhance efficacy of ICI therapy without increasing toxicity.
