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Microbiome in cancer progression and therapy
Natalia V Andreeva1, Railia R Gabbasova1, Sergei I Grivennikov1
1Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA; Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|November 4, 2020
Summary
The human microbiota influences cancer development and treatment responses. This review explores how microbes can promote or inhibit tumors by affecting cancer, immune, and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- The human body hosts a vast community of microorganisms known as microbiota.
- Microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating host physiology.
- Emerging evidence highlights the significant impact of microbiota on cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of microbiota in cancer.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which microbiota influences the tumor microenvironment.
- To discuss both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic functions of the microbiota.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Synthesis of existing research on microbiota and cancer.
- Analysis of mechanisms involving microbial interactions with host cells.
Main Results:
- Microbiota can both promote (pro-tumorigenic) and inhibit (anti-tumorigenic) cancer progression.
- Microbes influence cancer cells, immune cells, and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment.
- Specific microbial functions and their impact on cancer are detailed.
Conclusions:
- The microbiota is a key factor in cancer initiation, progression, and response to therapy.
- Understanding microbial mechanisms is crucial for developing novel cancer treatments.
- Targeting the microbiota holds potential for cancer prevention and therapy.
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