Gut bacteria enhances effectiveness of chemotherapy drug

The microbiome is becoming one of the most important areas of medical research.  Recent studies link obesity, depression, Parkinson's and many more health conditions with gut bacteria.

New research shows that gut bacteria also affects cancer, with some bacteria promoting tumour growth and other types of bacteria hindering it.  Researchers at the Centre for Infection and Immunity of Lille in France have published new research in the journal Immunity.  The research looked at three important areas in fighting cancer, chemotherapy, the immune system and gut bacteria.  The results showed that two types of gut bacteria boosted the effect of commonly prescribed immunosuppressive chemotherapy drugs by activating T cells.