Data from Gut Mycobiota Dysbiosis Is Associated with Melanoma and Response to Anti–PD-1 Therapy

Abstract

<div>Abstract<p>Recent research indicates that gut microbiota may be vital in the advancement of melanoma. In this study, we found that melanoma patients exhibited a distinct gut mycobiota structure compared with healthy participants. <i>Candida albicans</i>, <i>Candida dubliniensis</i>, and <i>Neurospora crassa</i> were more abundant in samples from patients with melanoma, whereas <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> and <i>Debaryomyces hansenii</i> were less abundant. During anti–PD-1 treatment, the relative amount of <i>Malassezia restricta</i> and <i>C. albicans</i> increased. A higher level of <i>Saccharomyces paradoxus</i> was associated with a positive response to anti–PD-1 treatment, whereas a higher level of <i>Tetrapisispora blattae</i> was associated with a lack of clinical benefits. High levels of <i>M. restricta</i> and <i>C. albicans</i>, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase, and being overweight were linked to increased risk of melanoma progression and poorer response to anti–PD-1 treatment. Thus, this study has revealed melanoma-associated mycobiome dysbiosis, characterized by altered fungal composition and fungi species associated with a higher risk of melanoma progression, identifying a role for the gut mycobiome in melanoma progression.</p></div>