Journal-based CME Course: The Microbiome and Cancer – A Translational Science Review

Activity ID

14248

Expires

May 12, 2028

Format Type

Journal-based

CME Credit

1

Fee

$30

CME Provider: JAMA

Description of CME Course

Importance  Growing evidence suggests that microbes located within the gastrointestinal tract and other anatomical locations influence the development and progression of diseases such as cancer.

Observations  Clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that microbes in the gastrointestinal tract and other anatomical locations, such as the respiratory tract, may affect carcinogenesis, development of metastases, cancer treatment response, and cancer treatment–related adverse effects. Within tumors of patients with cancer, microbes may affect response to treatment, and therapies that reduce or eliminate these microbes may improve outcomes in patients with cancer. Modulating gastrointestinal tract (gut) microbes through fecal microbiota transplant and other strategies such as dietary intervention (eg, high-fiber diet intervention) has improved outcomes in small studies of patients treated with cancer immunotherapy. In contrast, disruption of the gut microbiota by receipt of broad-spectrum antibiotics prior to treatment with cancer immunotherapy has been associated with poorer overall survival and higher rates of adverse effects in patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade for solid tumors and also with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for hematologic malignancies.

Conclusions and Relevance  Microbes in the gut and other locations in the body may influence the development and progression of cancer and may affect the response to adverse effects from cancer therapy. Future therapies targeting microbes in the gut and other locations in the body could potentially improve outcomes in patients with cancer.

Disclaimers

1. This activity is accredited by the American Medical Association.
2. This activity is free to AMA members.

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