Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
00:07
A Double Humanized BLT-mice Model Featuring a Stable Human-Like Gut Microbiome and Human Immune System
Published on: August 30, 2019
8.7K
Targeting the Gut Microbiome to Improve Immunotherapy Outcomes: A Review
Adi David1, Shaked Lev-Ari2,3
1Tal Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
Integrative Cancer Therapies
|September 3, 2024
Summary
Dietary interventions can optimize the gut microbiome (microbial communities in your digestive system) to improve anti-cancer immunotherapy effectiveness. Tailoring nutrition may enhance treatment outcomes and reduce side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment but faces challenges with resistance and immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences immunotherapy resistance.
- The gut microbiome plays a critical role in modulating immune responses and treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of the gut microbiome in the Diet-Microbiota-Immunity (DMI) tripartite.
- To understand how dietary interventions can enhance anti-cancer immunotherapy efficacy.
- To identify strategies for manipulating the gut microbiome to improve cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- This narrative review synthesizes existing research on the gut microbiome, diet, and cancer immunotherapy.
- It examines the influence of dietary patterns, nutritional components, and interventions on the TME and gut microbiota.
- The review discusses the impact of antibiotics on gut microbiota diversity and immunotherapy efficacy.
Main Results:
- Dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean diet) and nutritional components can positively influence the TME and gut microbiome.
- Gut microbiome modulation is crucial for enhancing anti-cancer immunotherapy.
- Antibiotics may negatively impact immunotherapy efficacy by disrupting gut microbiota.
Conclusions:
- Tailored nutritional strategies are needed to optimize microbial communities for enhanced immune regulation in cancer patients.
- Manipulating the gut microbiome holds promise for improving immunotherapy accessibility and minimizing side effects.
- Further research into dietary interventions is essential for personalized cancer care and improved treatment outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
2.5K
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.5K
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
755
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel...
755
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
1.1K
Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Pharmacologic...
1.1K
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
1.3K
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
1.3K
01:22Probiotics
296
Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
296
01:18Functions of the Gut Microbiota
233
The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
233