Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025
Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model
Published on: April 6, 2022
From poo to promise: Fecal microbiota transplants support immunotherapy re-sensitization in solid tumors
Laura Chambers1, Dennis Grencewicz2, Daniel Spakowicz3
1Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, James Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
Abstract:
Fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) recently entered the cancer therapeutics field as a method to resensitize treatment-resistant melanoma patients to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Kim and colleagues extend its utility to other solid tumors, including esophageal and hepatocellular carcinomas.1.
Insights
Fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) can help patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. This study shows FMTs may resensitize patients with esophageal and liver cancers to cancer immunotherapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Microbiome research
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) are emerging as a strategy to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in melanoma.
- The efficacy of FMTs in other solid tumors remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of FMTs in enhancing the response to ICIs in solid tumors beyond melanoma.
- To evaluate FMTs as a therapeutic approach for esophageal and hepatocellular carcinomas.
Main Methods:
- The study by Kim and colleagues explored the application of FMTs in preclinical models or patient cohorts with specific solid tumors.
- Analysis focused on tumor response, immune cell infiltration, and microbiome composition following FMT administration.
Main Results:
- FMTs demonstrated efficacy in resensitizing treatment-resistant solid tumors, including esophageal and hepatocellular carcinomas, to ICIs.
- The gut microbiome modulation via FMTs influenced the tumor microenvironment and systemic anti-tumor immunity.
Conclusions:
- Fecal microbiota transplantation represents a promising therapeutic strategy for expanding the utility of immune checkpoint inhibitors in various solid tumors.
- This research broadens the application of FMTs in oncology, offering new avenues for cancer treatment.
