"Good" Gut Bacteria Linked to Melanoma Immunotherapy Response

Scientists have uncovered a link between an individual’s gut bacteria and their response to anticancer immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICT). A team of researchers at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center in Texas carried out what they claim is the first prospective study looking at the effects of human gut microbiota and metabolites on response to ICT for metastastic melanoma, using either ipilimumab, nivolumab, ipilimumab plus nivolumab (IN), or pembrolizumab (P) therapy.