The Microbiome and Genitourinary Cancers: A New Frontier.

Introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted agents has markedly improved outcomes and extended survival in urothelial and renal cell carcinoma. However, the substantial subset of cases are treatment-resistant. Emerging strategies aim to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. One area of growing interest and promise is the microbiome. The microbiome plays a complex and dynamic role in regulating the immune system, and represents a new frontier as a promising target for modulating response to immunotherapy. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the microbiome, its interactions with immunotherapy, novel avenues for microbiome modification, and potential implications for the treatment of urothelial and renal cell carcinoma.