Lung microbiome: an emerging player in lung cancer pathogenesis and progression

Abstract

The microbiome of the lungs, although until recently neglected, is now emerging as a potential contributor to chronic lung diseases, including cancer. Preclinical evidence suggests that the microbial burden of the lungs shapes the host immunity mechanisms and affects local antitumor immune responses. Studies of cohorts of patients with lung cancer reveal that different microbiome profiles are detected in patients with lung cancer compared to controls. In addition, an association between differential lung microbiome composition and distinct responses to immunotherapy has been suggested, yet, with limited data. Scarce evidence exists on the role of the lung microbiome in the development of metastases in the lungs. Interestingly, the lung microbiome is not isolated and interacts with the gut microbiome through a dynamic axis. Future research on the involvement of the lung microbiome in lung cancer pathogenesis and potential therapeutic implications is greatly anticipated.

Keywords: Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Immunotherapy; Lung cancer; Lung microbiome; NSCLC.