Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which have become the primary treatment of carcinomas in recent years, not only bring survival benefits to patients, but also come with various side effects. Studies have shown that different gut microbiota groups have different effects on the efficacy and side effects of ICIs. Here, we summarize the relevant research progress on gut microbiota and the efficacy and side effects of ICIs, explore the mechanisms of the gut microbiota in modulating anticancer immunotherapy and further discuss treatment strategies of how the gut microbiota enhancing the efficacy and reducing side effects of ICIs. This study aims to identify specific gut microbiota as potential biomarkers for ICI treatment to screen for patients who may respond effectively to ICI treatment, thereby improving efficacy and mitigating side effects.
Fu et al. (Sun,) studied this question.