The role of the gut microbiome in modulating immunotherapy responses in melanoma

Rebecca Simpson, PhD, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, discusses the predictive value of gut bacteria in response to immunotherapy for melanoma. Whilst research has suggested a link between the gut microbiome and immunotherapy efficacy as well as toxicity in patients with melanoma, the relevant bacteria and biomarkers related to this effect are currently not known. An analysis of the gut microbiota of patients have revealed certain microbiome community types, especially ones containing fiber-integrating bacteria, are associated with enhanced responses. This interview took place at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2022 Congress in Paris, France.