WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-P1.11.16 Gut Microbiota: Associations Between Composition and Response to Immunotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

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This study investigates the relationship between gut microbiota (GM) composition and the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in Brazilian patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death globally, and while ICIs have advanced treatment, resistance remains a significant challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that GM influences cancer immune surveillance and may modulate immunotherapy effectiveness.<br /><br />In a prospective clinical trial (NCT04965129), 27 NSCLC patients (stage III-IV, ECOG 0-2) were monitored over four months. Data collected included fecal samples for GM profiling via RNA sequencing, medication reconciliation, toxicity evaluations, and treatment response assessments using RECIST v1.1 criteria. Baseline and follow-up assessments at one, two, three, and four months allowed longitudinal analysis of microbiota and clinical outcomes.<br /><br />Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney tests and Linear Discriminant Analysis, identified significant associations between specific bacterial taxa and treatment response. Notably, all patients achieving disease control (DC) had Akkermansia muciniphila, a bacterium linked with favorable ICI responses. Additionally, Bacteroides caccae and Prevotella copri were consistently present at baseline and four months, suggesting a role in sustained response.<br /><br />Novel associations were identified for 91% of bacterial taxa related to ICI response in this cohort, highlighting both protective and resistance-linked microbes. Differences in bacterial phyla distributions were significant between responders and non-responders, emphasizing the GM's influence on immunotherapy outcomes.<br /><br />These findings underscore the potential of gut microbiota profiling to improve precision and personalized cancer treatment strategies for NSCLC patients. Future research should expand across diverse populations and focus on tailoring microbiome-informed interventions to enhance immunotherapy efficacy and reduce resistance, advancing patient-centered oncology care.

Asset Subtitle

Gisele Moreira

Meta Tag

Speaker Gisele Moreira

Topic Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer – Immunotherapy

Keywords

gut microbiota

immune checkpoint inhibitors

non-small cell lung cancer

NSCLC

Akkermansia muciniphila

Bacteroides caccae

Prevotella copri

immunotherapy response

microbiome profiling

cancer treatment resistance