Faecal transplant trial offers new hope for pancreatic cancer patients

Faecal transplant trial aims to improve survival outcomes in pancreatic cancer

ADELAIDE: In a groundbreaking move to improve the prognosis of one of the deadliest cancers, the University of Adelaide is leading a world-first clinical trial using faecal transplants for pancreatic cancer patients. The human comparative study will examine whether combining faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) with standard chemotherapy can improve symptoms and survival rates compared to chemotherapy alone.

The initiative, conducted in partnership with Epworth HealthCare, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Flinders University, and BiomeBank, is now calling for eligible participants from South Australia and Victoria. The trial will take place at The Queen Elizabeth and Royal Adelaide Hospitals, as well as the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth.

Why this trial matters

Pancreatic cancer is known for its late diagnosis and poor survival outcomes, with only 25% of patients surviving one year after diagnosis and a mere 13% reaching five-year survival. Symptoms often emerge only in the advanced stages, limiting treatment options. Currently, chemotherapy is the primary treatment for inoperable pancreatic tumors, but its effectiveness remains limited.

A new frontier in cancer therapy

This innovative trial is inspired by recent animal research where FMT — the transfer of stool from a healthy donor to a sick subject — showed promising results in reducing tumor size. The hypothesis is that restoring gut microbial balance and resetting the immune system may improve chemotherapy response and overall patient outcomes.

According to Dr Virginie Gaget, Chief Scientist of the study and Senior Researcher at the University of Adelaide:

“The microbes living in our gut play a major role in health and disease. We believe this approach could help restore the gut ecosystem and prime the immune system, giving chemotherapy a better chance to work.”

Professor Timothy Price, Head of Clinical Oncology Research at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, emphasized:

“Most patients are already in the advanced stage of disease by the time they present with symptoms. This study offers a potential new pathway to enhance treatment response.”

Associate Professor Sumitra Ananda from Epworth added:

“This is a first-of-its-kind collaboration, where we’re exploring the intersection of microbiome science and oncology in a way never before attempted in human trials for pancreatic cancer.”

Eligibility and registration

To be considered for participation, individuals must meet strict criteria, including confirmation of an inoperable primary pancreatic tumor through CT imaging.

Interested participants are encouraged to contact Dr Gaget at 0479 178 692 to register or learn more about the study.

A milestone for Adelaide’s medical research

This pioneering clinical trial coincides with the formation of Adelaide University — a merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia — set to launch in January 2026. The new institution aims to become a global leader in transformative research, innovative teaching, and improved health outcomes.

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