Diversity in Intestinal Flora May Increase Immunotherapy Efficacy
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Immunotherapy has begun to be used particularly for melanoma, non-small cell lung, kidney, head and neck and bladder cancers and Hodgkin lymphoma. However, not all patients respond well. Researchers investigate factors increasing efficacy. Recent studies show diversity in intestinal floramay increase immunotherapy efficacy.
Presented in November 2016 at the United Kingdom National Cancer Research Institute Congress, the study analyzed oral microbiome samples from 200 advanced melanoma patients and intestinal samples from 100.
According to the Research Results:
- Immunotherapyresponders differed significantly from nonresponders in intestinal bacterial diversity, with greater diversity in those responding positively.
- No difference in oral bacterial diversity was observed.
What Does This Study Mean Clinically?
This is the first human study showing intestinal flora increases immunotherapy efficacy.
- Under medical supervision, antibiotics, probiotics or fecal transplantation before immunotherapy may increase its efficacy.
- Strategies manipulating intestinal flora may also be developed to improve efficacy.
Sources
Understanding responses to cancer therapy: The tissue is the issue but the scoop is in the poop – Jennifer Wargo, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA, National Cancer Institue Congress, 2016.
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