A pioneering clinical trial in Canada is exploring the potential of a novel pill, known as LND101, which contains healthy bacteria derived from human feces. The trial aims to assess whether this unconventional approach could extend the lives of pancreatic cancer patients. The initiative comes amid alarming statistics from the American Cancer Society, predicting that about 67,400 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, with nearly 52,000 expected to succumb to the disease.
Researchers at the Lawson Health Research Institute (LHSCRI) are leading this innovative study. They are building on early research that implies fecal transplants can modify the microbial makeup of tumors, potentially enhancing the body's ability to combat advanced pancreatic cancer. The trial is part of a broader effort to improve survival rates for pancreatic cancer, which currently stands at a mere 10% over five years.
“Pancreatic cancer has a poor survival rate of approximately 10% over five years,” – Dr. John Lenehan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Vowst, marking the first pill form of fecal transplant therapy, paving the way for further developments in this field. The LND101 pill has already demonstrated promise in treating advanced melanoma, lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. Now, the LHSCRI researchers are striving for similar success in late-stage pancreatic cancer cases.
Dr. John Lenehan, a medical oncologist spearheading the project, has initiated a two-year Phase 1 clinical trial involving 20 patients at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre. This study represents a critical step in determining the efficacy of LND101 in altering patient outcomes.
“We will study how the gut bacteria of pancreatic cancer patients change after treatment with fecal transplants using the capsules and how this affects their immune system,” – Saman Maleki
Saman Maleki, a key researcher in the project, explains that understanding the shifts in gut microbiome post-treatment is essential. The team aims to establish whether these changes correlate with improved responses to chemotherapy.
“Our goal is to determine whether a successful shift in the gut microbiome is connected to a better response to chemotherapy.” – Saman Maleki
As part of their research efforts, the LHSCRI team is seeking donors willing to contribute healthy poop samples. This step is crucial in ensuring a diverse and effective microbial composition for the capsules.
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