Exploring the Lung Microbiome at TOGA 2025

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There's nothing quite like stepping up to the microphone for your first conference talk as a PhD candidate. At the Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia (TOGA) 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting in Brisbane, Dr Shivakumar took to the stage to share early insights from his PhD research - a fascinating exploration of how the lung microbiome might influence the risk of checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP) in lung cancer patients.

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Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment landscape for lung cancer, offering new hope to patients with advanced disease. Yet for around 10–15% of individuals, it comes with a serious challenge - checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP), a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the lungs.

At the Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia (TOGA) 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, TRACKER PhD candidate Dr Shivakumar delivered his first conference presentation, sharing early findings from his research into how the lung microbiome might influence CIP risk.

“Presenting at TOGA 2025 was an important milestone in my PhD journey,” Sen said. “It was a privilege to share early insights on a project that has the potential to make a real difference in how we deliver immunotherapy for lung cancer patients.”

Unlocking the Microbial Code

Sen’s research is exploring a vital question: could the diverse community of microbes (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) that inhabit the lungs hold clues to which patients are most at risk of developing CIP?

By analysing patient samples, including Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) and blood collected through the TRACKER Biobank, Sen aims to identify biomarkers that could predict susceptibility to CIP. Detecting these biomarkers early could give clinicians a crucial window to diagnose and treat the condition before it becomes severe, helping us utilise immunotherapy with greater safety and confidence.

"We're essentially trying to read early warning signals. If we can identify who is at risk before symptoms develop, we can intervene sooner, improve safety, outcomes and survivorship.” 

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Dr. Senthuran Shivakumar, TRACKER PhD Student

Translating Research Into Real-World Impact

This research extends far beyond understanding side effects. It represents a step toward personalised immunotherapy, where clinicians tailor treatment to each patient’s individual biological and microbial profile.

By combining detailed microbiome analysis with comprehensive clinical and immune data, Dr Shivakumar is building a much clearer picture of how the body (and the microbes it hosts) influence the likelihood of developing complications such as CIP.

The insights gained could pave the way for more precise risk prediction, earlier detection, and targeted interventions. For patients, this could mean fewer treatment interruptions, reduced hospitalisations, and more reliable access to life-saving therapies.

Reconnecting with Colleagues and Friends

Finally, it was wonderful to see so many TRACKER colleagues and friends come together at TOGA 2025 - clinicians, researchers, consumers, and collaborators all working toward a common goal. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the progress made through teamwork and dedication. United by purpose, the TRACKER community continues to drive innovation and improve outcomes for people and families affected by lung cancer.