Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Probiotics

Ian436
  • 1 reply
  • 44 subscribers
  • 522 views

I am on my second month of Nivolumab for RCC. I have been taking Actimel in the morning for 2 years but have read online that it may affect the efficacy of Nivolumab, is this true and am I best to stop taking it. I also take a multivitamin tablet but have seen no adverse reports of taking this with Nivolumab. Please advise

  • Hello Ian436,

     

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. My name is Suzanne and I am one of the cancer information nurse specialists here at Macmillan

    I see that you are a member of our kidney cancer forum and hope that you are finding this supportive.

    I can appreciate that you want to do all you can to stay well.  However we would always advise you to discuss any dietary supplements you wish to take with your treatment team . This is because some may affect cancer treatments and make them less effective.

    Whilst there is some emerging research evidence that healthy gut bacteria and use of probiotics may improve response to Immunotherapy and Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as Nivolumab, it is as yet inconclusive.

    There is a risk however that the yeast and bacteria in Probiotics can cause infection in people who are having certain cancer treatments. For this reason, it is important that you discuss the risks versus the benefits of taking a probiotic with your consultant or cancer nurse specialist (CNS) .

    It may also help to access our guidance on Healthy Eating and Cancer to support you to stay as well as possible during and after treatment . Kidney Cancer UK also have some useful information on diet and offer general support and information.

    I hope that this information is helpful. However, should you wish to discuss this further you are very welcome to give us a call on the support line.  

    Best wishes,

    Suzanne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Ref SF/KG

     

     

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007