Gut bacteria may help immune therapy work better against tumors

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved survival in cancer patients, but durable benefits are limited.

• A limited number of patients experience sustained benefits from ICIs.
• The gut microbiome plays a significant role in influencing immune responses.
• There is potential for the gut microbiome to predict responses to ICI treatment.
• Mechanistic analyses and clinical trials suggest a relationship between gut microbiome and ICI efficacy.
• Research is ongoing to develop strategies leveraging the gut microbiome to improve ICI treatment outcomes.

Simplified