Recent Blog Articles

Can we prevent depression in older adults by treating insomnia?

Want to try veganism? Here's how to get started

Vitamin B6 flies under the radar: Are you getting enough?

The formula shortage is hurting families: What parents should know and do

Gyn Care 101: What to know about seeing a gynecologist

Swimming lessons save lives: What parents should know

Strong legs help power summer activities: Hiking, biking, swimming, and more

What is a successful mindset for weight loss maintenance?

French fries versus almonds: Calorie for calorie, which comes out on top?

Summer camp 2022: Having fun and staying safe
Cancer
Adjusting gut bacteria may improve response to cancer treatment
- By Kelly Bilodeau, Former Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
Research we're watching
Gut bacteria may play a role in cancer treatment. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Cancer Research found that adjusting the type of microorganisms in the gut helped people with advanced melanoma (an aggressive type of skin cancer) respond to immunotherapy treatments that didn’t work on them in the past. The study, which was published Feb. 4, 2021, in Science, looked at 15 people with melanoma who didn’t respond to one of two immunotherapy medications, pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo). The researchers performed fecal transplants on these nonresponders. This procedure is designed to introduce microorganisms from one person’s gut to the gut of another by transplanting fecal material from the donor into the colon of the recipient. In this case, the transplants came from people with cancer who had responded to the therapy. Once the researchers performed this procedure, many of the nonresponders showed an improved response to the immunotherapy drug. In six of them, the tumors shrank or their condition stabilized. While more research is needed, the study authors said this is a first step in unlocking the mechanisms behind the role of gut microorganisms in cancer treatment.
Image: © FatCamera/Getty ImagesDisclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
You might also be interested in…

The Sensitive Gut
When your digestive system is running smoothly, you tend not to think about it. Once trouble begins, your gut — like a squeaky wheel — suddenly demands your attention. This Special Health Report, The Sensitive Gut, covers the major sources of gastrointestinal distress: irritable bowel syndrome, gastric reflux, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, and excess gas. It also includes a special Bonus Section describing how emotional stress and anxiety can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!