Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2025

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Human Gut Microbiome: A New Frontier in Cancer Diagnostics & Therapeutics
Vibha Rani1, Shivani Singhal1, Kumkum Sharma1
1Center for Emerging Diseases, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, A-10, Sector-62, Noida 201307, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Abstract:
The field of oncology is vast and ever-growing. The present cancer therapeutics is continually exhibiting various drawbacks, which opens the door for exploring better novel therapeutic techniques. One such emerging technique is the manipulation of gut microbiota to induce a positive curative effect in the body. The dynamic gut microbiota of our body houses an astonishing number of microorganisms, mainly bacteria. The balance of the gut microbiota is essential for good health as imbalances may result in dysbiosis leading to various diseases such as cancer. The gut microbiota can be manipulated by using prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and antibiotics for better therapeutic outcomes, as well as to improve the quality of life of patients undergoing conventional cancer treatment. Administration of bacteria as a probiotic agent accompanied with prebiotics obtained from a wide variety of herbs has been used effectively to enhance the treatment of various cancers. Although the theoretical basis of Gut therapy can be ascertained, further clinical trials will be essential to determine the scope and limitations fully. The present review provides a glimpse of conventional and novel cancer therapeutics and their drawbacks, along with the role of the gut microbiome and its modulation to design new pharmaceutics against cancer.
Insights
Manipulating gut microbiota through prebiotics and probiotics shows promise for enhancing cancer treatment. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the full potential of this gut therapy approach.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Conventional cancer therapeutics present drawbacks, necessitating novel approaches.
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in health, with imbalances linked to diseases like cancer.
- Emerging research explores manipulating gut microbiota for therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review conventional and novel cancer therapeutics.
- To explore the role of gut microbiome modulation in cancer treatment.
- To discuss the potential of gut therapy as a novel pharmaceutical strategy against cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cancer therapeutics and gut microbiome.
- Analysis of strategies for gut microbiota modulation (prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, antibiotics).
- Examination of the theoretical basis and potential clinical applications of gut therapy.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota manipulation offers a promising avenue for cancer treatment.
- Probiotics combined with herbal prebiotics have shown efficacy in enhancing cancer therapy.
- Modulating the gut microbiome can improve patient quality of life during conventional treatment.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota manipulation is a developing field with significant therapeutic potential in oncology.
- Further clinical trials are essential to establish the efficacy and limitations of gut therapy.
- Targeting the gut microbiome represents a novel strategy for developing new anti-cancer pharmaceuticals.
Related Concept Videos
What is Monogastric Digestion?
Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test

