Scientists at Imperial College London: Antibiotics weaken the immune system in Cancer Patients

Taking antibiotics in the month before starting immunotherapy dramatically reduces a cancer patient’s chances of survival, according to a small but groundbreaking study.

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Scientists at Imperial College London believe antibiotics strip out helpful bacteria from the gut, which weakens the immune system.

The substantial difference in survival, and clear evidence from CT scans that tumours grow more rapidly in those who have taken antibiotics, has led the researchers to call for more work to be done urgently.

“Antibiotics clearly wipe out some of the gut microbiota,” said Dr David Pinato, published in the journal Jama Oncology. “If you have got a good microbiome, you are more likely to have educated your immune system to fight cancer better.”

The health service is already under pressure to use antibiotics only when necessary, in order to conserve their power to kill dangerous strains of bacteria by avoiding resistance developing. “This probably adds a further layer of complexity to the idea of antibiotic stewardship,” said Pinato.

The findings also provoke questions as to whether strengthening the gut microbiome might help the immune system fight cancer, an issue the ICL team now hope to explore.

This study was not at all surprising with all of the research about gut health and immunity. Glad researchers are seeing the link in their studies. A great way to help promote good health and optimal immunity is with Homeopathy. It’s safe, gentle, effective and without harmful side effects.

Need some help? Reach out to us at the Ontario College of Homeopathic Medicine.

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