Novel cancer therapy targeting microbiome

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• The human intestinal tract hosts over 100 trillion symbiotic bacteria, forming the gut microbiota.
• Approximately 70% of the human immune system resides in the gut, crucial for preventing pathogenic infections.
• Gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with numerous health issues, including obesity, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence linking the gut microbiota to specific cancers.
• To explore the potential of probiotics in cancer prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current scientific evidence.
• Analysis of metabolomics data associating microbiota and carcinogenesis.
• Examination of animal studies on probiotics and cancer prevention.

Main Results:

• The gut microbiota is increasingly associated with carcinogenesis, particularly in gastric, bladder, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers.
• Metabolomics analyses have clarified the link between microbiota and cancer development.
• Animal studies suggest probiotics may offer some efficacy in preventing carcinogenesis.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiota's role in cancer development is significant and warrants further investigation.
• Strategies targeting the gut microbiota, potentially including probiotics, show promise for cancer prevention.