The Influence of the Gut Microbiome on Cancer, Immunity, and Cancer Immunotherapy

Cancer Cell. 2018 Apr 9;33(4):570-580. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell.2018.03.015.

Abstract

The microbiome is receiving significant attention given its influence on a host of human diseases including cancer. Its role in response to cancer treatment is becoming increasingly apparent, with evidence suggesting that modulating the gut microbiome may affect responses to numerous forms of cancer therapy. A working knowledge of the microbiome is vital as we move forward in this age of precision medicine, and an understanding of the microbiome's influence on immune responses and cancer is key. It is also important to understand factors influencing the gut microbiome and strategies to manipulate the microbiome to augment therapeutic responses.

Keywords: cancer; cancer immunosurveillance; gut microbiome; immunity; immunotherapy; immunotherapy response; immunotherapy toxicity; microbiome; microbiome manipulation; microbiota.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / immunology*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Monitoring, Immunologic
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / microbiology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Precision Medicine
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use