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There is evidence that the gut microbiome is perturbed in the setting of cancer, but there is not yet robust research to support the idea that it can be manipulated to improve outcomes in response to cancer. 

That is the view of infectious diseases physician Dr Olivia Smibert, who spoke about medicines and the microbiome at yesterday afternoon’s Medicine Matters session. 

“There are some big limitations to be aware of when drawing conclusions from some of the science. In five or ten years it may be prime time, but it still has a way to go,” said Smibert.