Bowel bacteria help anti-cancer immunotherapy work better

1. Unexpected discovery: Breast cancer is associated with bacterial imbalance in breast tissue
2. Exposure to pesticides during pregnancy increases the risk of brain tumors in children

In a recent study, a group of researchers in Washington, USA, found a link between intestinal bacteria and their response to immunosuppressive immunosuppressive therapy against cancer (ICT). ).

Accordingly, the researchers analyzed intestinal bacteria of 39 patients with malignant tumors that were treated with immunotherapy and suddenly found a strong correlation through the positive response of the bacteria. intestine with therapy.

While talking about this study, the lead author Dr. Andrew Koh, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology at Simmons Cancer Center said: "Our research has shown that there are some very good and very good bacteria. necessary to optimize the treatment and control of cancer cells'.

'The intestinal bacteria somehow react to your immune system to make this system better able to attack cancer cells and kill them.'

Although ICT therapy has achieved long-term remission in 50% of metastatic melanoma patients'. The researchers noted.

A person has a voluntary metastatic melanoma for research scientists to identify the link. Melanoma, metastatic melanoma of volunteer participants was found in his lungs while he was fighting pneumonia.

He was treated with nivolumab, an immunotherapy drug by raising the immune system's brakes, allowing the body's defense mechanisms to enter the 'Overdrive' state (impacting with speed). beyond the limit) '.

Not only that, the researchers found that the intestinal bacteria in him were beneficial and suspected that the bacteria contributed to the suspicious results above. So, as a patient who wants to respond well to anti-cancer immunotherapy, there are three specific types of bacteria:

1. Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
2. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
3. Holdemania filiformis

After identifying the link, the scientists looked for some potential reason for the link between bacteria and immunotherapy.

Dr Koh explained: "Is it caused by bacteria? We test metabolites in this patient and find the strongest correlation of anacardic acid, found in cashews and mangoes. beneficial bacteria ".

Now, researchers are planning to follow current research with larger clinical studies and will soon publish information in the near future.

This study has just been published in Neoplasia magazine.