A recent pooled analysis presented at the 2024 Kidney Cancer Research Summit suggests that CBM588, a novel therapeutic, may play a role in correcting gut dysbiosis in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) undergoing first-line immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. While CBM588 did not increase overall microbiome diversity, it demonstrated notable effects on specific bacterial species associated with positive outcomes in patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
Impact on Gut Microbiome Composition
The analysis revealed that CBM588 has the potential to correct gut dysbiosis, which is an imbalance in the gut microbiome that can negatively impact the effectiveness of immunotherapy. According to Nazli Dizman, MD, hematology/oncology fellow at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the data, although based on a relatively small patient cohort, are supported by preclinical and translational evidence, suggesting potential benefits with CBM588 in this patient population.
Future Research Directions
Researchers are currently conducting further laboratory studies of CBM588 in mice to elucidate its detailed mechanism of action. Additionally, a phase 3 clinical trial is being planned through the SWOG cooperative groups to assess clinical outcomes with the addition of CBM588 to immune checkpoint blockade-based first-line combinations in metastatic RCC. "There is considerable enthusiasm regarding these next steps," Dizman stated, emphasizing the goal of determining if CBM588 can indeed enhance clinical outcomes.
Alternative Approaches
In the interim, patients are encouraged to participate in ongoing studies exploring lifestyle interventions, biotherapeutics, or fecal microbiota transplants. These approaches have shown strong proof-of-concept evidence and could offer potential benefits, but larger trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness in clinical practice.
