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Current Oncology Reports

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01-07-2020 | Melanoma | Melanoma (RJ Sullivan, Section Editor)

Gut Microbiome Modulation Via Fecal Microbiota Transplant to Augment Immunotherapy in Patients with Melanoma or Other Cancers

Authors: Jennifer L. McQuade, Gabriel O. Ologun, Reetakshi Arora, Jennifer A. Wargo

Published in: Current Oncology Reports | Issue 7/2020

Abstract

Purpose of Review

We review emerging evidence regarding the impact of gut microbes on antitumor immunity, and ongoing efforts to translate this in clinical trials.

Recent Findings

Pre-clinical models and human cohort studies support a role for gut microbes in modulating overall immunity and immunotherapy response, and numerous trials are now underway exploring strategies to modulate gut microbes to enhance responses to cancer therapy. This includes the use of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), which is being used to treat patients with Clostridium difficile infection among other non-cancer indications. The use of FMT is now being extended to modulate gut microbes in patients being treated with cancer immunotherapy, with the goal of enhancing responses and/or to ameliorate toxicity. However, significant complexities exist with such an approach and will be discussed herein.

Summary

Data from ongoing studies of FMT in cancer will provide critical insights for optimization of this approach.

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Title: Gut Microbiome Modulation Via Fecal Microbiota Transplant to Augment Immunotherapy in Patients with Melanoma or Other Cancers
Authors: Jennifer L. McQuade
Gabriel O. Ologun
Reetakshi Arora
Jennifer A. Wargo
Publication date: 01-07-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Melanoma
Melanoma
Respiratory Microbiota
Published in: Current Oncology Reports / Issue 7/2020
Print ISSN: 1523-3790
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6269
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-020-00913-y

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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