This study longitudinally profiled the gut microbiome in 175 advanced melanoma patients undergoing immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Using Bayesian regression models, the researchers characterized microbiome changes in patients achieving progression-free survival (PFS) of ≥12 months versus <12 months, considering factors like ICB regimen, colitis, and PPI use. They identified microbial species-level genome bins (SGBs) and pathways associated with PFS and overall survival (OS), constructing a log ratio of SGBs that predicted OS. The findings highlight the dynamic nature of the gut microbiome during ICB and the importance of longitudinal profiling for guiding microbiome-targeted therapies.

Johannes R. Björk, Laura A. Bolte, Andrew Maltez Thomas, Karla A. Lee, Niccolo Rossi, Thijs T. Wind, Lotte M. Smit, Federica Armanini, Francesco Asnicar, Aitor Blanco-Miguez, Ruth Board, Neus Calbet-Llopart, Lisa Derosa, Nathalie Dhomen, Kelly Brooks, Mark Harland, Mark Harries, Paul Lorigan, Paolo Manghi, Richard Marais, Julia Newton-Bishop, Luigi Nezi, Federica Pinto, Miriam Potrony, Susana Puig, Patricio Serra-Bellver, Heather M. Shaw, Sabrina Tamburini, Sara Valpione, Levi Waldron, Laurence Zitvogel, Moreno Zolfo, Elisabeth G. E. de Vries, Paul Nathan, Rudolf S. N. Fehrmann, Tim D. Spector, Véronique Bataille, Nicola Segata, Geke A. P. Hospers, Rinse K. Weersma