Summary
This 2023 review in Nature Reviews Immunology examines the emerging evidence that gut microbiota composition influences both efficacy and tolerability of cancer therapies, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors. The authors synthesise mechanistic and clinical evidence suggesting that specific bacterial taxa and microbiota-derived metabolites modulate anti-tumour immune responses and colitis risk. The work underscores microbiota as a potential therapeutic target to optimise cancer treatment outcomes.
Regional applicability
Findings are relevant to UK oncology practice and NHS cancer care protocols, as microbiota-targeted interventions (prebiotics, probiotics, dietary modification) could be integrated into standard supportive care alongside immunotherapy. However, translation to clinical practice requires rigorous trial evidence and standardised microbiota profiling approaches.
Key measures
Microbiota composition and diversity; association with immunotherapy response; treatment toxicity outcomes; recovery metrics
Outcomes reported
The review examines how the microbiota influences response to cancer therapies (immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) and recovery from treatment-related adverse effects. It synthesises evidence on microbiota composition, diversity, and specific bacterial taxa associated with treatment efficacy and toxicity management.
Topic tags
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