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Modulation of gut microbiota in targeted cancer therapy: insights on the EGFR/VEGF/KRAS pathways

Li Gong1,2, Shixue Yang3, Junli Huang2

  • 1Department of Phase I Clinical Trial Ward, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China.

Cancer Biology & Medicine
|November 27, 2024
PubMed

Insights

The gut microbiome influences targeted cancer therapies like those targeting EGFR, VEGF, and KRAS. Specific microbes and metabolites can enhance or hinder anti-tumor effects, offering new treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Microbiome Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Global cancer incidence is rising, driving demand for targeted therapies.
  • Key targets include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS).
  • The gut microbiota's role in immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy is known, but its impact on targeted agents is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the relationship between gut microbiota and targeted anticancer agents.
  • To explore how specific gut microbes and metabolites modulate oncogenic pathways (EGFR/VEGF/KRAS).
  • To identify potential therapeutic strategies by manipulating the gut microbiota.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating gut microbiota and targeted cancer therapies.
  • Analysis of microbial metabolites (e.g., butyrate, deoxycholic acid) and their interaction with oncogenic pathways.
  • Examination of microbiota's influence on host metabolism and treatment side effects.

Main Results:

  • Certain gut microbes and metabolites (e.g., butyrate, propionate) show anti-tumor effects by interacting with EGFR, VEGF, and KRAS pathways.
  • Other microbes/metabolites (e.g., deoxycholic acid, lipopolysaccharide) may promote tumor growth.
  • Gut microbiota modulation impacts glucose/lipid metabolism, affecting response to anti-KRAS agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitor-induced diarrhea.

Conclusions:

  • The gut microbiota significantly influences the efficacy of targeted cancer therapies.
  • Understanding these interactions can lead to novel strategies for optimizing treatment outcomes.
  • Targeting the gut microbiome presents a promising avenue for advancing personalized cancer care.
Keywords:
EGFRGut microbiotaKRASVEGFmetabolitestargeted therapytumorigenesis pathway

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