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Updated: Aug 17, 2025
10:12
Characterization and Functional Prediction of Bacteria in Ovarian Tissues
Published on: October 23, 2021
2.9K
Abstract:
Tumors contain viruses, bacteria, and fungi, collectively known as the microbiome. Here, experts discuss how the field evolved from reporting systemic effects of gut microbiota on the immune system, metastasis, and therapy response to studying intratumoral microbiome, and outline the future challenges and opportunities in modulating microbiota for therapeutic benefit.
Insights
Tumors harbor a microbiome of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Research now focuses on the intratumoral microbiome
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- The tumor microbiome, encompassing viruses, bacteria, and fungi within tumors, is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer.
- Early research focused on systemic effects of the gut microbiota on cancer immunity, metastasis, and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of tumor microbiome research from systemic to intratumoral investigations.
- To outline future challenges and opportunities in therapeutically modulating the tumor microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and expert discussion on the progression of microbiome research in oncology.
- Analysis of current challenges and future directions in targeting the tumor microbiome.
Main Results:
- The field has shifted from studying gut microbiota's systemic effects to investigating the intratumoral microbiome.
- Significant challenges and promising opportunities exist in harnessing the microbiome for cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the intratumoral microbiome is crucial for developing novel cancer therapies.
- Modulating the tumor microbiome presents a promising avenue for enhancing therapeutic benefits in cancer treatment.
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