Microbiome-based interventions: therapeutic strategies in cancer immunotherapy

Abstract The composition of the commensal microbiota has recently emerged as a key element influencing the efficacy of cancer treatments. It has become apparent the interplay between the microbiome and immune system within the host influences the response to immunotherapy, in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors. Identifying the key components of the gut microbiota that influence this response is paramount for designing therapeutic interventions to enhance response to cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss strategies being considered to modulate the gut microbiota, including fecal microbiota transplantation, administration of defined bacterial isolates as well as bacterial consortia, supplementation with probiotics, and lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes. Understanding the complex variables of the human microbiota on cancer therapy effectiveness, will help drive the clinical design of microbial-based interventions in the field of oncology.