Integration of donor microbiota following FMT correlates with anti-PD-1 response in melanoma
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown promise in improving anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma, but the underlying microbial features remain poorly defined. We performed a strain-resolved metagenomic meta-analysis across three independent FMT plus anti-PD-1 melanoma trials (n = 41). Across cohorts, therapeutic benefit was linked to successful integration of donor microbiota, rather than increased diversity or engraftment of specific species. Responders acquired more donor-derived strains, exhibited greater post-FMT similarity to their donor, and maintained a more stable microbiome. Following FMT, non-responders’ microbiomes showed greater taxonomic instability, larger fluctuations in estimated microbial load, and increased abundance of pathogen-associated secretion system genes, whereas responders showed enrichment for microbial functions involved in community-level metabolism and communication. Finally, shifts in tumor-infiltrating immune profiles tracked with clinical outcomes and microbiome changes. Together these findings highlight that distinct patterns of microbiome restructuring, including stable community transitions and altered functional capacity, are associated with anti-PD-1 response following FMT. Here, the authors conducted a meta-analysis of melanoma patients after fecal transplant showing that successful integration of donor microbes and community stability are linked to improved immunotherapy response and coordinated tumor immune changes.
Source: Nature Communications
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
Funder: National Cancer Institute
Award: G5411935914
OpenAlex ID: W7162864934