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A Method to Define the Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Colon Microbiome Biodiversity in a Mouse Colon Tumor Model
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Antibiotic-Related Changes in Microbiome: The Hidden Villain behind Colorectal Carcinoma Immunotherapy Failure

Tsvetelina Velikova1, Boris Krastev2, Stefan Lozenov3

  • 1Department of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Lozenetz, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Kozyak 1 Str., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotics can alter gut bacteria, impacting colorectal cancer immunotherapy effectiveness. Understanding these gut microbiota changes is crucial for improving patient outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The gut microbiome significantly influences cancer treatment response, especially immunotherapy.
  • Intestinal microbiota composition affects patient outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review how antibiotic-induced changes in gut microbiota affect ICI treatment outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • To explore the mechanisms linking gut microbiota alterations to immune responses during CRC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating antibiotic use, gut microbiota, and ICI response in CRC patients.
  • Analysis of data on molecular pathways and immune system interactions.

Main Results:

  • Antibiotic administration can alter the gut microbiome, potentially impacting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
  • Changes in gut microbiota composition are associated with both local and systemic immune responses.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotic-induced alterations in gut microbiota may significantly influence colorectal cancer treatment outcomes.
  • Further robust clinical studies are necessary to confirm the impact of gut microbiota modifications on CRC patients receiving antibiotics and ICIs.
Keywords:
antibioticscancercheckpoint inhibitorscolorectal carcinomagut microbiotaimmunotherapymicrobiome

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