AUTHOR=Jin Yali , Jie Zhiqian , Fan Xianming 

TITLE=Gut microbes and immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1518474

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2025.1518474

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=Emerging evidence underscores gut microbiota’s role in modulating lung cancer immunotherapy outcomes, though specific impacts on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and associated adverse events (AEs) require further clarity. This review synthesizes findings from 15 studies examining gut microbiota-ICI interactions in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), alongside studies investigating antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), probiotics, and diet as modulating factors. Results indicate that Actinobacteria, Bacteroides, and Verrucomicrobiota correlate with positive ICI responses, while Bacillota shows variable associations; notably, Bacillota-enriched patients had fewer immunotherapy-related AEs. The administration of antibiotics and PPIs within a month before ICIs was linked to diminished efficacy, whereas probiotics correlated with enhanced outcomes. Plant-based diets are also aligned with dietary patterns supportive of ICIs. These findings suggest that analyzing gut microbiota composition could improve the ability to predict NSCLC patient responses to ICIs. Additionally, judicious use of antibiotics, PPIs, probiotics, and dietary adjustments may optimize immunotherapy outcomes and mitigate adverse effects.