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Updated: Dec 24, 2025
Modeling Chemotherapy Resistant Leukemia In Vitro
Published on: February 9, 2016
Microbiota-based approaches to mitigate infectious complications of intensive chemotherapy in patients with acute
Armin Rashidi1, Daniel J Weisdorf1
1Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Abstract:
Despite advances in antimicrobial treatments, infection remains a common complication of intensive chemotherapy in patients with acute leukemia. It has become progressively apparent that the current antimicrobial focus has shortcomings that result from disruption of the commensal microbial communities of the gut. These effects, collectively known as dysbiosis, have been increasingly associated worldwide with growing complications such as Clostridioides difficile infection, systemic infections, and antibiotic resistance. A revision of the current practice is overdue. Several innovative concepts have been proposed and tested in animal models and humans, with the overarching goal of preventing damage to the microbiota and facilitating its recovery. In this review, we discuss these approaches, examine critical knowledge gaps, and explore how they may be filled in future research.
Insights
Intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia often leads to gut microbiota disruption, increasing infection risks. New strategies aim to protect and restore the gut microbiome, addressing current treatment limitations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infections are a major complication in acute leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Current antimicrobial strategies disrupt the gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis.
- Dysbiosis is linked to Clostridioides difficile infection, systemic infections, and antibiotic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current limitations in antimicrobial approaches for acute leukemia.
- To discuss innovative strategies for preventing and managing gut microbiota damage.
- To identify knowledge gaps and future research directions in microbiota-protective therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on gut microbiota in acute leukemia patients.
- Analysis of proposed and tested innovative concepts for microbiota protection.
- Examination of animal models and human clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Antimicrobial treatments significantly disrupt the gut microbiome.
- Dysbiosis exacerbates complications like C. difficile infections and antibiotic resistance.
- Emerging strategies show promise in preclinical and clinical settings.
Conclusions:
- Current antimicrobial practices require revision due to microbiota disruption.
- Protecting and restoring the gut microbiota is crucial for improving outcomes in acute leukemia.
- Further research is needed to optimize novel microbiota-focused interventions.
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