While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show groundbreaking efficacy in some patients, the response rate is limited to a small percentage (around 20-40%).
Gut bacteria have been identified as a factor that can impact the therapeutic outcomes.
Previous studies have shown that removing gut bacteria in mice diminishes the effectiveness of ICIs, whereas fecal microbiota transplantation has been reported to enhance their efficacy.
The mechanisms by which gut bacteria enhance immune responses outside of the gut were largely unknown.
However, a study published this year revealed that ICIs temporarily induce inflammation in the intestines, causing certain gut bacteria to migrate from the gut to lymph nodes near tumors and activate immune cells.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that the use of antibiotics reduces gut bacteria and decreases the immune response triggered by ICIs.
In the future, there will be an increasing demand for healthcare providers, including general practitioners, to offer support and guidance on optimizing the gut environment through dietary and lifestyle interventions to patients undergoing ICI treatment.
Dr. Munenori Matsuzawa, Chief Medical Officer, Aoyama Medical Clinic.
【References】
Yongbin C. et al. Immune checkpoint blockade induces gut microbiota translocation that augments extraintestinal antitumor immunity. Science Immunology, 2023プロフィール
- 青山メディカルクリニック 院長
- 近畿大学医学部卒業。慶應義塾大学病院形成外科入局し、佐野厚生総合病院形成外科へ。その後、横浜市立市民病院形成外科として務める。埼玉医科総合医療センター形成外科・美容外科を経て、銀座美容外科クリニック新宿院院長として従事する。その後、青山メディカルクリニック開設し、今に至る。
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