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Updated: May 15, 2025

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
The Gut Microbiome and Its Multifaceted Role in Cancer Metabolism, Initiation, and Progression: Insights and
Kai Xu1, Zainab Motiwala2, Irene Corona-Avila1
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract:
This review summarizes the intricate relationship between the microbiome and cancer initiation and development. Microbiome alterations impact metabolic pathways, immune responses, and gene expression, which can accelerate or mitigate cancer progression. We examine how dysbiosis affects tumor growth, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Additionally, we discuss the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies, such as probiotics and fecal microbiota transplants, to modulate cancer metabolism. These interventions offer the possibility of reversing or controlling cancer progression, enhancing the efficacy of traditional treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Despite promising developments, challenges remain in identifying key microbial species and pathways and validating microbiome-targeted therapies through large-scale clinical trials. Nonetheless, the intersection of microbiome research and cancer initiation and development presents an exciting frontier for innovative therapies. This review offers a fresh perspective on cancer initiation and development by integrating microbiome insights, highlighting the potential for interdisciplinary research to enhance our understanding of cancer progression and treatment strategies.
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