Gut microbiome features associate with immune checkpoint inhibitor response in individuals with non-melanoma skin cancers: an exploratory study
February 27, 2025
Journal
Microbiology Spectrum
Publication Date
February 27, 2025
Authors
Merkelcell.org Summary
Scientists are studying how the gut microbiome – the community of tiny organisms in our intestines – affects skin cancer patients receiving immunotherapy (a drug that helps the immune system fight cancer). While factors like exercise and a high-fiber diet may help create a healthier gut and improve treatment, we don’t fully understand how the microbiome influences immunotherapy response in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
In this unique study, researchers at Johns Hopkins University analyzed stool samples from 21 patients who received immunotherapy for their advanced skin cancers, including MCC (5 patients), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; 11 patients), and basal cell carcinoma (5 patients). They found that SCC patients who responded well to immunotherapy had different gut bacteria with different activity compared to those who didn’t. However, the results for MCC remain unclear, partly because there were too few MCC patients in the study. These findings suggest that the gut microbiome may play a role in immunotherapy success, but larger studies are needed to better understand its impact on MCC treatment.
Our Seattle MCC team is excited to explore similar research with our patients. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved!