Characteristics and prognostic value of gut microbiota in follicular lymphoma

The pathogenesis and progression of follicular lymphoma (FL) depends on immune evasion mechanisms. The gut microbiota has been reported to be associated with the development and outcome of several human diseases by modulating host immunity. Thus, the present study investigated the characteristics and prognostic value of the gut microbiota in FL. Fecal samples from treatment-naïve patients with FL (n=28) and healthy controls (n=18) were prospectively collected. The gut microbiota diversity and composition were examined by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. The results demonstrated that patients with FL had distinct microbiota compositions. The relative abundance of the Ruminococcaceae family was significantly increased in patients with FL (P=0.01). Furthermore, a high level of Ruminococcus was identified as a strong indicator of tumor burden (P=0.001), and was related to the FL International Prognostic Index score and serum lactate dehydrogenase levels. The present results indicated an association between the gut microbiota and FL prognosis. Findings from the present study may provide a rational foundation for further investigation of the role of gut microbiota in lymphoma management.