Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
8-4-2026 10:45 AM
End Date
8-4-2026 11:45 AM
Description
The human microbiome, a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, represents a critical "gut-diet axis" that significantly influences cancer progression and therapeutic efficacy. While a state of homeostasis supports systemic immunity, dysbiosis is linked to chronic inflammation and can actively promote resistance to standard cytotoxic chemotherapies and modern immune checkpoint inhibitors. Specifically, research indicates that Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) promotes resistance to 5-Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer by activating Notch1 receptors to inhibit apoptosis and push cancer cells into a resilient, stem-cell-like state. Conversely, the introduction of fiber-rich and fermented foods can cultivate beneficial bacteria like Christensenella minuta, which enhances the migration of dendritic cells to tumors, thereby increasing the effectiveness of PD-L1 blockades. Furthermore, the microbial fermentation of dietary tryptophan into metabolites such as Indole-3-Propionic Acid (IPA) has been shown to prevent T-cell exhaustion through epigenetic modifications, leading to superior treatment responses across multiple cancer types. These findings suggest that targeting the microbiome through precise nutritional interventions, such as focusing on high-diversity plant-based diets and the elimination of ultra-processed foods, is a foundational strategy for optimizing oncological outcomes and restoring chemosensitivity.
Included in
Biology Commons, Immunity Commons, Microbiology Commons, Nutrition Commons, Oncology Commons
Harnessing the Gut-Diet Axis to Enhance Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
The human microbiome, a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, represents a critical "gut-diet axis" that significantly influences cancer progression and therapeutic efficacy. While a state of homeostasis supports systemic immunity, dysbiosis is linked to chronic inflammation and can actively promote resistance to standard cytotoxic chemotherapies and modern immune checkpoint inhibitors. Specifically, research indicates that Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) promotes resistance to 5-Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer by activating Notch1 receptors to inhibit apoptosis and push cancer cells into a resilient, stem-cell-like state. Conversely, the introduction of fiber-rich and fermented foods can cultivate beneficial bacteria like Christensenella minuta, which enhances the migration of dendritic cells to tumors, thereby increasing the effectiveness of PD-L1 blockades. Furthermore, the microbial fermentation of dietary tryptophan into metabolites such as Indole-3-Propionic Acid (IPA) has been shown to prevent T-cell exhaustion through epigenetic modifications, leading to superior treatment responses across multiple cancer types. These findings suggest that targeting the microbiome through precise nutritional interventions, such as focusing on high-diversity plant-based diets and the elimination of ultra-processed foods, is a foundational strategy for optimizing oncological outcomes and restoring chemosensitivity.
Comments
The human microbiome acts as a dynamic "gut-diet axis" that modulates systemic immunity and either promotes or overcomes resistance to therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. By utilizing precise nutritional interventions to foster beneficial microbial metabolites, clinical outcomes can be optimized and chemosensitivity restored across various cancer types.