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The Microbiome and Cancer: A Translational Science Review.
Estefania Fernandez1, Jennifer A Wargo2,3, Beth A Helmink2
1Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.
JAMA
|May 12, 2025
Summary
Microbes in the gut influence cancer development and treatment response. Strategies that modulate these microbes, like fecal microbiota transplant, may improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Cancer biology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Growing evidence links gut microbiota to cancer development and progression.
- Microbes in various body sites, including the gut and respiratory tract, impact carcinogenesis and metastasis.
- Tumor-associated microbes can influence cancer treatment efficacy and side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of the microbiome in cancer.
- To evaluate the impact of microbial modulation on cancer treatment outcomes.
- To highlight potential future therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and preclinical evidence.
- Analysis of studies involving fecal microbiota transplant and dietary interventions.
- Examination of outcomes associated with antibiotic use during cancer immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Modulating gut microbes via fecal microbiota transplant and diet improved outcomes in cancer immunotherapy patients.
- Disruption of gut microbiota by antibiotics worsened survival and increased adverse effects in patients receiving immunotherapy.
- Microbial presence within tumors affects treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Microbes influence cancer development, progression, and treatment response.
- Targeting microbial communities in the gut and other sites holds promise for improving cancer patient outcomes.
- Future therapies may leverage microbiome modulation for enhanced cancer treatment.
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