Researchers at City of Hope and Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, are actively investigating how our gut microbiome — the swirling society of microorganisms in the intestines — can contribute to the effectiveness of cancer treatment and long-term outcomes.
What Is the Microbiome, and Why Does It Matter?
The overall microbiome is the collection of all the bacteria, fungi and viruses that float through the body. These tiny organisms live in every bodily system. But most ongoing research focuses on the gut microbiome — the pool of microbes that thrive in the intestines.
Examining the gut microbiome isn’t new. There’s evidence that ancient civilizations understood the connection between bowels and well-being. In recent years, researchers have learned that the gut microbiome is dynamic and changeable. Multiple factors, including diet, genetics, pharmaceuticals and stress, can tip the microbial balance. And with advanced tools like human genome sequencing, City of Hope investigators are building on that knowledge. They’re uncovering more details about the relationship between the gut microbiome and disease.
Gut Microbiome Research: Uncovering the Recipe for Improving Cancer Treatment
City of Hope is on the leading edge of gut microbiome research. It is one of the few institutions worldwide to recognize the important role this mix of microorganisms plays in fighting cancer.
Recent research efforts include:
- Diet impact on blood cancer: Bone marrow or stem cell transplants are cornerstones of blood cancer treatment. But they elevate a patient’s risk for Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). By analyzing the diets of 173 transplant patients, City of Hope staff scientist Jenny Paredes, Ph.D., determined that a high-fiber diet reduces the risk of acute GVHD in the lower gastrointestinal tract. It also improves overall survival. Results also show that patients who eat high-fiber diets produce more butyrate. This fatty acid protects against GVHD.
- Probiotic impact on kidney cancer: In a phase 1 trial with 30 patients who have metastatic kidney cancer, Sumanta Pal, M.D., professor and vice chair of academic affairs in City of Hope’s Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, examined the impact of adding a special probiotic to first-line immunotherapy treatment. Based on the analysis of stool samples, he determined patients who receive the probiotic CBM588 have better clinical outcomes. A phase 2/3 trial is ongoing.
- Microbiome regeneration: Cancer treatment can injure a patient’s microbiome, making them more vulnerable to infections or health concerns. Robert R. Jenq, M.D. and his team are at the forefront of exploring how the personalized microbiome can reduce those problems and improve patient care. In a process similar to blood banking, they can harvest a sample of each patient’s microbiome before treatment and restore it during recovery, strengthening the immune system, reducing complications and speeding healing. It’s another way the microbiome can be leveraged to help ensure long-term health.
Microbiome Therapies Move from Theory to Treatment
Food does more than fuel the body. It may help shape cancer treatment.
City of Hope scientists are studying how fast changes in diet can alter the gut microbiome and influence immune response and drug metabolism.
Precision nutrition, fiber-rich diets and prescription meals are being tested in clinical trials to help patients respond better to therapy with fewer side effects.
Watch Dr. Marcel van den Brink, M.D., Ph.D., president of City of Hope Los Angeles and City of Hope National Medical Center, explain more.
"We want to get diet monitoring to a whole new level… then we can really use diet as a drug to change microbiome and clinical outcomes."
– Marcel van den Brink, M.D., Ph.D., President, City of Hope Los Angeles and City of Hope National Medical Center
Deana and Steve Campbell Chief Physician Executive Distinguished Chair