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Gut Microbiota-Derived Short-Chain Fatty Acids: Impact on Cancer Treatment Response and Toxicities

Ghanyah H Al-Qadami1, Kate R Secombe1,2, Courtney B Subramaniam1,3

  • 1School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.

Microorganisms
|October 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by gut bacteria, significantly influence cancer treatment efficacy and toxicity by modulating immune responses and drug metabolism. Understanding SCFAs is crucial for optimizing cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The gut microbiota profoundly impacts cancer treatment outcomes, affecting both efficacy and toxicity.
  • Mechanisms involve immune response modulation and, increasingly recognized, chemotherapeutic drug metabolism.
  • Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are key microbial metabolites with roles in gut homeostasis and immune function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical role of SCFAs in cancer treatment response.
  • To discuss the implications of SCFAs for managing treatment toxicities.
  • To highlight the influence of SCFAs on anti-tumor immunity and inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating gut microbiota and cancer treatment.
  • Analysis of research on SCFA production and function.
  • Synthesis of findings on SCFA-mediated effects on immune responses and drug metabolism.

Main Results:

  • SCFAs modulate immune cell activity, influencing anti-tumor responses.
  • SCFA production by gut bacteria can alter chemotherapeutic drug metabolism.
  • SCFAs impact inflammatory pathways, contributing to treatment-related side effects.

Conclusions:

  • SCFAs are significant mediators of cancer treatment response and toxicity.
  • Targeting SCFA production or signaling may offer novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate SCFA mechanisms in cancer therapy.
Keywords:
cancerchemotherapyimmunotherapymicrobiotaradiotherapyshort-chain fatty acidssupportive caretreatment response

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