Gut bacteria 'boost' cancer therapy

Status
Not open for further replies.

Northerner

Admin (Retired)
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Bacteria living in the murky depths of the digestive system seem to influence whether tumours shrink during cancer therapy, say French and US researchers.

They tested the microbiome - the collection of microscopic species that live in us - in cancer patients.

Two studies, in the journal Science, linked specific species and the overall diversity of the microbiome to the effectiveness of immunotherapy drugs.

Experts said the results were fascinating and held a lot of promise.

Our bodies are home to trillions of micro-organisms and the relationship between "us" and "them" goes far beyond infectious diseases.

The microbiome is involved in digestion, protection from infection and regulating the immune system.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-41848461

Another plug for the excellent book 'Gut' by Giulia Enders - a must read! 🙂
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top