Gut Microbiome's Role in Cancer Treatment Wins Bial Award

A groundbreaking study has won the 2025 Bial Award in Biomedicine, earning a €350,000 prize. The research highlights the crucial role of gut bacteria in enhancing cancer treatment efficacy. Led by Laurence Zitvogel and Guido Kroemer, this international project involved 48 researchers from various countries.

Published in Science, the study reveals that gut microbiota significantly influences the success of PD‑1-based immunotherapy for epithelial tumors. It suggests that a healthy gut microbiome boosts treatment response, while antibiotics might reduce its effectiveness by altering bacterial diversity. The research identifies specific gut bacteria linked to improved clinical outcomes.

This discovery marks a pivotal advance in cancer therapy, potentially overcoming patient resistance to immunotherapy. The award follows rigorous evaluation, with the 2025 edition receiving 58 nominations globally, spanning various medical fields.