Abstract The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating the immune response, which subsequently exerts a significant influence on cancer development and treatment outcomes. Recent investigations have elucidated that specific microorganisms and compounds, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), may enhance the efficacy of immune system, thereby presenting novel opportunities for improving cancer therapies. This review discusses the intricate mechanisms of the microbiome’s influence on the immune system, with particular emphasis on the interactions between the microbiome and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. We analysed the role of Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium in modulating the host immune response and improving outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. However, it is noteworthy that dysbiosis, characterized by the presence of species such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, results in resistance to these inhibitors. Furthermore, researchers are investigating microbiome-centered therapeutic approaches, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and FMT (Fecal Microbiota Transplantation), as promising strategies for enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapies. This review further examines the practical implications of integrating microbiome profiling into personalized oncology, providing insightful information regarding the advancement of drugs targeting the microbiome. Understanding the role of the microbiome in cancer presents opportunities for enhancing current therapeutic approaches and addressing resistance, thereby facilitating the development of more effective and personalized cancer treatments.
Christina et al. (Sun,) studied this question.