The gut microbiota is a key regulator of the human immune system. The intestinal mucosal barrier not only prevents harmful substances from entering the body but also maintains overall health through microbial and immune balance.

Role of Probiotics

Probiotics help preserve gut integrity, suppress harmful pathogens, improve nutrient absorption, and regulate immune responses.

• Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are particularly effective in preventing and alleviating inflammatory bowel conditions.

Chemotherapy and Gut Health

Chemotherapy can disrupt microbial diversity, leading to side effects such as diarrhea, fatigue, and weakened immunity.

• Probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have shown potential in restoring gut balance and reducing complications.

Gut Microbiota and Immunotherapy

The success of immunotherapy, particularly PD-1 and CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibitors, is closely linked to gut microbiome diversity.

• Studies show that specific beneficial bacteria can enhance response rates and prolong progression-free survival in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.

Supporting Gut Health in Cancer Patients

• Dietary diversity: A wide range of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, prebiotics, and fermented foods supports healthy microbiota.
• Probiotics and prebiotics: May strengthen the gut barrier and immune response.
• FMT: Emerging evidence suggests fecal transplantation may become an important adjunct in cancer immunotherapy.