Host Microbiomes in Tumor Precision Medicine: How far are we?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• The human gut microbiome plays a critical role in health and disease, including cancer.
• Understanding the gut microbiome's influence is key to improving cancer therapy outcomes.
• Microbial metabolites are emerging as crucial factors in cancer development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current knowledge on the gut microbiome's role in cancer onset, progression, and treatment response.
• To discuss the implications of tumor microbiome research for clinical practice.
• To explore microbiome-based interventions and their challenges.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review of existing literature.
• It synthesizes findings on the gut microbiome's impact on cancer.
• It analyzes current and future microbiome-based therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• The gut microbiome significantly influences cancer development and response to chemo-immunotherapy.
• Tumor microbiome research offers new clinical insights.
• Microbiome-based interventions like prebiotics and probiotics show promise but need more safety data.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome is a vital factor in cancer pathophysiology and therapeutic response.
• Microbiome-based strategies hold potential for innovative cancer treatments and personalized medicine.
• Further research is needed to address safety concerns and leverage bioinformatic tools for predictive outcomes.