Evaluating Camu Camu With Ipilimumab and Nivolumab in mRCC

Regina Barragan-Carrillo, MD, medical oncologist, postdoctoral fellow, Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses a pilot study evaluating the use of camu camu in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy) and nivolumab (Opdivo) for treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Camu camu is a small, nutrient-dense berry native to the Amazon rainforest. The berry is known for its exceptionally high vitamin C content and rich polyphenol profile. Studies have shown its potential beyond traditional nutritional benefits, particularly in the realm of immunotherapy for cancer treatment.

In particular, camu camu’s extract has been shown to be high in castalagin, a compound with probiotic properties. This has spurred interest in its role as a possible adjunct therapy in cancer treatment, especially in mRCC.

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0:09 | This is a trial in progress. This trial is currently occurring for patients with intermediate and poor-risk mRCC that has not undergone any type of systemic treatment. So as a standard-of-care, we have plenty of options for the first-line treatment for renal cell carcinoma. One of them is a combination of nivolumab with ipilimumab. [Previously], we saw the results for the 8-year updated analysis, and we saw that the efficacy signal in both PFS and OS was still quite strong. Looking backwards, I am happy that we chose this combo for our trial. We are combining it with a fruit extract that's called camu camu.

0:56 | Camu camu is a berry that grows in the Amazonian region. It is part of the diet of people living in Brazil and also in Peru. Originally, they were using it as part of the treatment for patients who were either overweight or obese, and they noticed that the bacteria that was growing in the gut microbiome was 1 of those bacteria that were clearly associated with their response to immunotherapy. Those studies were initially done [preclinically], and then they were translated into human models. This is information we have had for a couple of years available. That was our rationale to use the combination between those 2. Additionally, we have a good collaborator in Canada who is doing a similar trial for melanoma and for also non–small cell lung cancer.