Researchers underscored the complex relationship between gut microbiota and anti-tumor immunotherapy, highlighting clinical applications of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in enhancing therapy efficacy; however, concerns regarding FMT’s safety, efficacy, and precision remain. These include the ineffectiveness in some cases and the potential risks involved, necessitating careful screening of donors and recipients. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a key element in anti-tumor therapy, targeting immune checkpoint molecules like PD-1 and CTLA-4, crucial for T cell activation and tolerance. The varying responses to ICIs among individuals point to a potential connection with the gut microbiota. Studies suggest that modulating the gut microbiota can enhance the efficacy of cancer therapies, particularly immunotherapy. Therefore, FMT’s role in adjusting the microbial composition offers immense potential and bright prospects in improving immune response to anti-tumor immunotherapy.
Reference: Yang Y, An Y, Dong Y, et al. Fecal microbiota transplantation: no longer cinderella in tumour immunotherapy. EBioMedicine. 2024 Feb;100:104967. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.104967. Epub 2024 Jan 18. PMID: 38241975; PMCID: PMC10831174.
