Ixcela, Roper St. Francis Healthcare Launch Innovative Cancer Support Program to Improve Treatment Outcomes

Ixcela, The Internal Fitness Company, in partnership with Roper St. Francis Healthcare, has announced the Ixcela Cancer Support Program, a groundbreaking a virtual clinic initiative that leverages personalized gut microbiome interventions to alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.¹

The year-long pilot program demonstrated remarkable improvements, including reduced fatigue and nausea, improved sleep quality, and enhanced overall well-being. | Image credit: faithie - stock.adobe.com

The year-long pilot program demonstrated remarkable improvements, including reduced fatigue and nausea, improved sleep quality, and enhanced overall well-being, offering oncologists a powerful tool to improve patient outcomes through gut health, nutritional therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Supportive care for patients with cancer is often overlooked despite the severe side effects of cancer treatments, Erika Ebbel Angle, CEO and co-founder of Ixcela, wrote in an email to The American Journal of Managed Care^® (AJMC^®). While medical advancements in oncology continue to evolve, many of these treatments still depend on a well-nourished patient with a strong immune system. Unfortunately, most treatments cause some level of toxicity, particularly affecting gut health. This is where gut microbiome testing and personalized nutritional therapy play a critical role, advancing alongside cancer treatments.

“While oncologists are focused on eradicating cancer, it’s crucial that we don’t lose sight of the patient’s overall well-being,” said Angle in a written response to AJMC. “Ixcela’s approach is about enhancing resilience, not redirecting attention. By integrating gut health and personalized nutrition into the oncology landscape, we can help patients withstand the rigors of treatment and thrive amidst the challenges.”

The gut plays a pivotal role in overall health, influencing various systems through 3 key connections: the gut-gut, gut-body, and gut-brain connections, Travis Wilkes, MD, Roper St. Francis Physician Partners, wrote to AJMC. Improvements in managing cancer treatment side effects can be understood by examining these relationships. The gut-gut connection refers to how gut bacteria interact with the intestinal lining. Maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria strengthens the intestinal barrier, reducing issues like diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. The gut-body connection highlights how intestinal health impacts nutrient absorption and overall well-being. Proper nutrient intake supports the body’s resilience, improving energy, sleep quality, and fatigue. The gut-brain connection is equally vital, as a well-functioning gut promotes the production of neurotransmitters and neuroprotective chemicals, reducing cognitive side effects like brain fog. By addressing gut health, oncologists can optimize cancer treatment outcomes and enhance patient quality of life.

The program included a cohort of 42 patients undergoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation, as well as cancer survivors.

"Side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and cognitive impairments are extremely common among cancer patients,” said Megan Baker, MD, a breast surgeon and chief operating officer of Roper St. Francis Healthcare, in a statement.¹ “This pilot program underscores the critical importance of gut microbiome health in cancer care, offering oncologists a novel and evidence-based approach to mitigate treatment side effects and enhance patient resilience. When we think about the fundamental determinants of how well any body functions, gut microbiome testing, and nutritional therapy are powerful tools to accelerate wellness and mitigate side effects from treatments."

Participants experienced an average of 7.02 fewer days of fatigue per month and 4.8 fewer days of brain fog, greatly improving daily functioning. Additionally, there was a 42% reduction in the use of antinausea medications and a 57% reduction in the use of anticonstipation medications among patients undergoing active cancer treatments. Notably, 86% of participants reported overall improvements in well-being, and 68% experienced better sleep quality.

These findings highlight the potential of personalized gut health interventions to alleviate the debilitating side effects of cancer treatment and enhance patient resilience.

“The Roper St. Francis pilot program helped clarify that gut health and targeted nutrition are central to successfully supporting patients as they endure intense cancer treatment,” Wilkes wrote to AJMC. “By focusing on nuanced details of gut health and nutritional needs with the aid of individualized metabolite data, we’re able to reduce suffering with side effects and bolster cognition and vitality during cancer treatment.”

Reference

Gut microbiome health tech innovator, Ixcela launches virtual clinic to ease cancer symptoms after landmark Roper St. Francis Healthcare pilot. Ixcela. News release. October 2, 2024. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gut-microbiome-health-tech-innovator-ixcela-launches-virtual-clinic-to-ease-cancer-symptoms-after-landmark-roper-st-francis-healthcare-pilot-302264955.html?tc=eml_cleartime.