Role of gut microbiome in cancer immunotherapy: from predictive biomarker to therapeutic target

Abstract

Immunotherapy has emerged as an effective treatment for various types of cancers. Recent studies have highlighted a significant correlation between the gut microbiome and patients’ response to immunotherapy. Several characteristics of the gut microbiome, such as community structures, taxonomic compositions, and molecular functions, have been identified as crucial biomarkers for predicting immunotherapy response and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Unlike other -omics, the gut microbiome can serve as not only biomarkers but also potential targets for enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy. Approaches for modulating the gut microbiome include probiotics/prebiotics supplementation, dietary interventions, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and antibiotic administration. This review primarily focuses on elucidating the potential role of the gut microbiome in predicting the response to cancer immunotherapy and improving its efficacy. Notably, we explore reasons behind inconsistent findings observed in different studies, and highlight the underlying benefits of antibiotics in liver cancer immunotherapy.

The Gap of Health Inequalities Amongst Lung Cancer Patients of Different Socioeconomic Status: A Brief Reference to the Greek Reality

“…Recently, Patel et al tried to investigate whether lung cancer disparities might be in part due to differences in microbiome diversity determined by the unhealthy dietary patterns dictated by lower SES. It is nowadays well established that the human microbiome can predict responsiveness or resistance to immunotherapies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and other therapeutic modalities [ 78 , 79 ]. Higher SES index patients had elevated fecal levels of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, and lower levels of Bacteroides compared with the Human Microbiome Project’s (HMP) reported normal levels.…”

Microbiome Dynamics: A Paradigm Shift in Combatting Infectious Diseases

“…The microbiome has been implicated in modulating responses to cancer immunotherapy, influencing both treatment efficacy and toxicity. Specific gut bacteria have been associated with improved or reduced responses to immunotherapy drugs, highlighting the potential for manipulating the microbiome to enhance treatment outcomes in cancer patients [217,218]. This emerging field of research, known as microbial oncology, holds promise for revolutionizing cancer treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes [219][220][221].…”

Exploring the Role of the Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer Development

“…For example, miR-21 promotes tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and resistance to therapy, while miR-379 suppresses tumor cell proliferation and migration [73][74][75]. The TME microbiome may be involved in the response to chemotherapy [76][77][78][79][80]. For instance, the gammaproteobacteria present in the TME metabolize the medication gemcitabine, converting it into its inert state [81].…”