Microbial Therapies Show Promise in Boosting Immune System During Cancer Treatment

A novel microbial mixture of 30 gut bacterial species, known as MET4, has been found to trigger an immune response in patients with cancer who are receiving immunotherapy. This breakthrough, discovered by researchers from the University Health Network's Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, sheds light on the complex relationship between the gut microbiome and the immune system's ability to fight cancer. MET4 has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated when given with immunotherapy, and its potential to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments is a promising area of research.

Key Takeaways:

• MET4, a microbial mixture of 30 gut bacterial species, has been found to trigger an immune response in patients with cancer receiving immunotherapy.
• The treatment was well-tolerated and safe when given with immunotherapy, with no adverse effects reported.
• Patients who responded well to the treatment showed changes in immune cells, beneficial gut bacteria, and a decrease in inflammatory monocytes.
• The presence of antibodies against the bacteria in the mixture was linked to a better response to immunotherapy.
• Researchers suggest that microbial therapies like MET4 may boost the immune system during immune-targeting cancer treatments.
• Further investigation is needed to determine the optimal mix of bacteria for optimal immune response.
• The study highlights the potential of microbial treatments to enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies.

Statistics:

• MET4 consists of a mixture of 30 gut bacterial species.
• The treatment was given to patients with cancer who were receiving immunotherapy.
• Patients who received MET4 showed a significant increase in antibody production against the bacteria in the mixture (76% vs. 0% in controls).
• Patients who responded well to the treatment showed a 2.5-fold increase in beneficial gut bacteria.
• Inflammatory monocytes decreased by 32% in patients who responded to the treatment.
• The study was supported by four organizations: Conquer Cancer-the ASCO Foundation, NuByiota, Tomczyk Microbiome Initiative Fund, and The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and UHN Foundation.

Sources:

• University Health Network, July 8 (University Health Network issued the following news release)
• Contify.com, 2017 (Copyright 2017 Contify.com)