Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government

Dietary Interventions to Improve Gut Microbiome in Patients with Stage IIB-IIIC Melanoma and Stage IB-IIIC Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, CANS Trial

Trial Status: active

This clinical trial tests whether eating high levels of fiber and fermented foods can improve gut microbiome in patients with stage IIB-IIIC melanoma and stage IB-IIIC non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are being treated with immunotherapy using drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). The gut microbiome is the collection of microorganisms (like bacteria) that are live in the digestive system and are involved in various body functions such as metabolizing (breaking down) substances in food and drugs and controlling immune function. Modifiable factors such as dietary interventions, including increased high-fiber supplementation and high-fermented food intake, may reduce inflammation and modulate (regulate) the immune system. High-fermented food includes kefir, kombucha, buttermilk, sauerkraut, kimchi, and vegetable brine drinks. Resistant starches are complex carbohydrates that, similarly to fiber, are not fully digested by the human gut and undergo fermentation (dissolving) by gut microbiota in the colon, where several healthy nutrients are produced. Resistant starches have been linked to a healthy and beneficial gut microbiome. High-amylose resistant starch, HI-MAIZE 260, is digestible and can be consumed raw and mixed with water, beverages, soups, or fruit purees. Diets high in fiber and fermented foods may improve gut microbiome in patients with stage IIB-IIIC melanoma and stage IB-IIIC NSCLC.