Tonights cool tip from the ACS for cancer patients being treated with checkpoint inhibitors.

[NNadir]

For various reasons, I've decided to focus much of my attention during this ACS meeting (which is virtual, but pays some attention to the fact that it was supposed to be in San Antonio) on glycomics, mostly because it's a subject I about which I know next to nothing.

I just listened to a real cool lecture by Howard Hang which indicates that non-responders to checkpoint inhibitors, a group of immunostimulatory drugs that are designed, just like it sounds, stimulate the immune system to fight cancer, may fail to respond because they lack the proper bacteria in their microbiome.

Here's a paper in a prepub form: Enterococcus peptidoglycan remodeling promotes immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Cool, I think.

[rampartc]

1. hmmm, perhaps that is why keytruda had such minimal effect

i've had a lot of iv antibiotics that could have screwed up my microbiome.

i don't want to brag on the erbotux either.

[NNadir]

2. This very surprising result might well explain it. You may wish to refer your physician to the...

...paper.

It's important to note this work was performed in mice, but on the other hand, there is nothing mysterious about a healthy microbiome.

[rampartc]

3. yes, thanks

i've had several foot infections requiring heavy duty antibiotics. that stuff can not help but kill the necessary bacteria as well. i see my oncologist monday (we're trying erbitux this last round) and will at least mention it. in the meanwhile i'm going to have a few "activia. "

[NNadir]

4. During his talk, for which I didn't take notes, Dr. Hang...

...referred to several OTC probiotic products. One I recall was available in Russia, but I think a few might be available here. Maybe you could reach out by emailing him. His email may be in his papers, or that of a graduate student.

It can't hurt. I know he used mice from two different suppliers, understanding that the microbiomes differed from one another.

[rampartc]

5. thanks, i will try that.

perhaps my nurse prac. can suggest a few.