The Effect of Immunotherapy on the Gut Microbiota, Intestinal Barrier, and Immune Function in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effect of immunotherapy on the gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, and immune function in patients with gastric cancer. Methods: From July 2023 to July 2024, 60 patients with gastric cancer from our hospital were randomly divided into two groups, the control group and the study group, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received conventional treatment, while the study group received immunotherapy. A comparative analysis was conducted between the two groups on gut microbiota content (Bifidobacterium, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus acidophilus), intestinal barrier indicators [D-lactate (D-LA), diamine oxidase (DAO), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)], immune function indicators [Immunoglobulin A (IgA), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Immunoglobulin M (IgM)], adverse reactions, and treatment effects. Results: After treatment, the content of Bifidobacterium and Fusobacterium nucleatum in the study group was higher than in the control group, while the content of Streptococcus and Lactobacillus acidophilus was lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of D-lactate and DAO in the study group were lower than in the control group, while the LPS level in the study group was higher (P < 0.05). The levels of IgA and IgG in the study group were lower than in the control group, and the IgM level was also lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the total incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). The overall treatment efficacy rate in the study group was higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Immunotherapy in patients with gastric cancer can improve gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, and immune function, reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions, and promote better clinical treatment outcomes, making it worthy of clinical recommendation.