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The interplay between gut bacteria and targeted therapies: implications for future cancer treatments

Juan He1, Yu Chen2, Huakan Zhao2

  • 1Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.

Molecular Medicine (Cambridge, Mass.)
|February 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Targeted cancer therapy shows promise but its effectiveness can be impacted by gut bacteria. This review explores the gut microbiome

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Microbiome Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Targeted therapy, a cornerstone of precision medicine, offers improved cancer treatment with fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
  • While effective, targeted therapy's efficacy can be influenced by various factors, including the gut microbiome.
  • The role of gut bacteria in immunotherapy is increasingly recognized, but their impact on targeted therapy requires systematic review.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the influence of gut bacteria and their metabolites on the efficacy of anticancer targeted therapy.
  • To explore the intricate crosstalk between the gut microbiome and targeted cancer treatments.
  • To identify potential therapeutic strategies and future research directions for optimizing targeted therapy through microbiome modulation.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review and analysis of existing studies on gut bacteria and targeted cancer therapy.
  • Discussion of the mechanisms underlying the interaction between intestinal microbiota and anticancer drugs.
  • Identification of key bacterial species and metabolites involved in modulating treatment response.

Main Results:

  • Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of gut bacteria and their metabolites in influencing the effectiveness of targeted cancer therapies.
  • Specific gut microbial compositions can either enhance or diminish the therapeutic outcomes of targeted agents.
  • Understanding this gut bacteria-targeted therapy axis is crucial for predicting and improving patient response.

Conclusions:

  • The gut microbiome represents a critical, yet often overlooked, factor in the success of targeted cancer therapy.
  • Modulating the gut microbiota presents a promising avenue for enhancing the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of targeted treatments.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate these interactions and develop microbiome-based therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
Anti-cancer targeted therapyBacterial metabolitesDrug-resistantGut bacteriaTargeted therapy molecule

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