Local Breast Microbiota: A "New" Player on the Block.
Marina Vitorino1, Diogo Alpuim Costa2,3, Rodrigo Vicente1
1Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, 2720-276 Amadora, Portugal.
Cancers
|August 12, 2022
Summary
The intratumour microbiota influences cancer progression and immune evasion. Understanding these microbes and their interactions within the tumour microenvironment (TME) can enhance cancer therapies, including immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- The tumour microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem influencing cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance.
- Intratumour microbiota, specific to tumour type and patient outcomes, plays a role in various cancers.
- The tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and its correlation with microbiota are gaining research interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of intratumour microbiota in cancer.
- To understand the interplay between microbiota and the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME).
- To identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting microbiota for improved cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing cross-sectional studies correlating microbiota and TME.
- Analysis of the impact of microorganisms on immune cell density and function within the TME.
- Investigation of microbiota's role in promoting an inflammatory environment.
Main Results:
- Microorganisms within tumours can modulate immune cell populations and functions.
- The presence and activity of intratumour microbiota can influence cancer development and progression.
- A link exists between microbiota composition and patient clinical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Intratumour microbiota significantly impacts cancer biology and the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME).
- Targeting microbiota offers a novel strategy to enhance immunotherapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- Further research into microbiota-TME interactions is crucial for advancing cancer treatment.
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