The role of the intestinal microbiome in the immunotherapy of colon cancer

Genetic factors, immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome (IM) are believed to participate in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The positive role of IM regulation in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disorders is determined by a reduction in the growth of pathogenic bacteria and an increase in the production of anti-inflammatory factors. Currently, the available data suggests that the IM dysregulates the immune response against the tumor in its microenvironment, thus either slowing down or accelerating the efficacy of antitumor therapy. Clinical studies have reported benefits of CRC therapy selected based on IM in improving immune intestinal homeostasis, epithelial barrier functions, and quality of life. Moreover, the specific IM signature may modulate the sensitivity to chemo- and/or radiotherapy, as well as the prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. In this article, we presented the general challenges of the CRC therapy based on IM data in combination with immunotherapy, and described the future prospects of this approach.