Role of the Microbiome in Malignancy

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• The human microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining health and disease.
• An expanding understanding links the microbiome to carcinogenesis across various organs.
• The term 'oncobiome' describes the maladaptive microbiome's role in cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the mechanisms by which the microbiome influences carcinogenesis.
• To highlight the potential of targeting the oncobiome for cancer prevention and therapy.
• To use colorectal malignancy as a model to demonstrate the microbiome's role.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on microbiome and cancer.
• Analysis of mechanisms including microbe-driven inflammation and mucosal failure.
• Exploration of diet-induced microbiome derangement.

Main Results:

• The resident microbiota is uniquely tied to malignancy risks in organs like the colon, lungs, pancreas, ovaries, cervix, and stomach.
• Maladaptive microbiome aspects are increasingly linked to cancer in other organs.
• Mechanisms such as inflammation and mucosal protection failure are key influencers of cancer risk.

Conclusions:

• The oncobiome represents a significant factor in cancer development.
• Modifying the oncobiome offers potential diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
• Targeting microbiome-related pathways could interrupt cancer progression.