Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been a transformational advance in cancer therapy in the past decade. However, ICIs can produce immune-related adverse effects (irAEs), which can lead to both morbidity and premature termination of therapy. Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota and its metabolites affect ICI efficacy and toxicity. Herein, we review such evidence in the context of ICI-induced colitis. In particular, the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, a microbial metabolite, has known protective effects on the intestine. We discuss how the use of dietary prebiotics, which can be metabolized by bacteria to produce butyrate, can be an intriguing new investigational approach to prevent ICI-associated colitis and lead to improved patient outcomes.

免疫检查点抑制剂 (ICIs) 在过去十年中一直是癌症治疗的变革性进步。然而，ICIs 会产生免疫相关的不良反应 (irAE)，这会导致发病率和治疗过早终止。最近的研究表明，肠道微生物群及其代谢物会影响 ICI 的疗效和毒性。在此，我们在 ICI 诱导的结肠炎的背景下回顾了此类证据。特别是，短链脂肪酸丁酸，一种微生物代谢物，对肠道具有已知的保护作用。我们讨论了使用膳食益生元（可被细菌代谢产生丁酸盐）如何成为预防 ICI 相关结肠炎并改善患者预后的一种有趣的新研究方法。