A Gut Feeling
Research on the Microbiome and Melanoma
Dr. Jennifer McQuade’s journey into oncology was far from traditional. Inspired by her mother’s battle with cancer, McQuade pursued a career in medicine, but her path took a unique turn when she delved into the world of Chinese and Eastern medicine. This unconventional approach, combined with her deep understanding of Western medicine, has shaped her unique perspective on cancer treatment and made her a pioneer in the field of integrated medicine, combining Western medical practices with Eastern healing techniques.
Today, McQuade is an associate professor and physician scientist of Melanoma Medical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her research focuses on the microbiome, the vast community of microorganisms that inhabit our bodies. This often-overlooked aspect of health is gaining increasing attention for its potential impact on various diseases, including melanoma. McQuade’s work, supported by an American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Career Development Award as well as her work as a Young Investigator on a Melanoma Research Alliance Team Science Award, has revealed intriguing connections between the microbiome and melanoma outcomes, offering hope for new therapeutic strategies.
“The microbiome is like a hidden organ within us, influencing our overall health,” McQuade explains. “My research has shown that specific microbial signatures can predict how well patients respond to immunotherapy for melanoma.”
McQuade’s interest in the microbiome stemmed from her observations that patients with obesity often had better outcomes with melanoma treatment, which appeared to be related to fiber consumption. She began exploring the role of diet and lifestyle factors in influencing the microbiome and, in turn, cancer progression.
Through rigorous studies, she discovered that certain types of bacteria in the gut are associated with a better response to immunotherapy, a powerful treatment for melanoma. These bacteria, known as fiber-digesting bacteria, are more prevalent in individuals who consume a high-fiber diet. “Our research has demonstrated that by modifying the microbiome through dietary interventions, we can potentially improve treatment outcomes for melanoma patients,” McQuade says. “This opens up exciting possibilities for personalized medicine and targeted therapies.”
McQuade’s current research involves managing the amount of fiber and food consumed over the course of the study and assessing its impact on treatment response. MRA has played a crucial role in supporting this work. The MRA’s funding has enabled McQuade to conduct large-scale studies and delve deeper into the complex relationship between the microbiome and melanoma.
“The MRA’s commitment to funding innovative research has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of melanoma and exploring new therapeutic avenues,” McQuade says. “Their support has allowed us to make significant strides in this field and really opened up a completely new area of investigation.”
In January of 2024, McQuade, MRA staff and colleagues published a perspective article “Melanoma and microbiota: Current understanding and future directions” summarizing the field’s current knowledge on how the gut microbiota affects melanoma response to immunotherapy, and how this knowledge can be used to improve patient outcomes, in the journal Cancer Cell.
The article is based on a March 2023 workshop jointly convened by the Melanoma Research Alliance and the Seerave Foundation following MRA’s Annual Scientific Retreat. The workshop brought together experts in microbiology, immunology, computational biology, and oncology to explore the current state of the field, identify unanswered questions, and to explore how to move the field forward.
The review concludes that the gut microbiota is a promising target to improve the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy for patients with melanoma, and that more research is needed to unravel the complex relationship between patient, microbiota, and immunotherapy response and to translate these findings into clinical practice.
As McQuade’s research continues to unfold, the implications for melanoma treatment are profound. By understanding the microbiome’s role in cancer, researchers may be able to develop targeted therapies that enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments and improve outcomes for patients.
McQuade’s work highlights the importance of integrated medicine, which combines conventional and complementary therapies to address the whole person. “By incorporating lifestyle factors and complementary therapies into our treatment plans, we can empower patients to take an active role in their own care,” McQuade says. “The microbiome is just one piece of the puzzle, but it offers a promising avenue for improving outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of life for melanoma patients.”
Dr. Jennifer McQuade
