Gut bacteria can dramatically amplify cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have unexpectedly discovered that a specific bacteria in the gut may play a role in enhancing the immune system's response to melanoma. By introducing the Bifidobacterium strain of bacteria into the digestive tracts of mice with melanoma, researchers at the University of Chicago were able to boost the ability of the animal's immune systems to attack tumour cells. The gains were comparable to treatment with anti-cancer drugs known as checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-L1 antibodies.