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Review Article: Probiotics and Oncogenesis: Clinical Implications
Brayden K Leyva1, Benjamin Bonavida2
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Critical Reviews in Oncogenesis
|June 25, 2025
Summary
Probiotics show promise in cancer prevention and treatment by modulating the gut microbiome and immune response. Further research is needed to optimize their use alongside cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Microbiome research
- Immunology
Background:
- Probiotics modulate the gut microbiome and immune responses.
- Their precise role in cancer prevention and treatment requires further elucidation.
- Existing evidence suggests potential benefits in cancer management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on the role of probiotics in cancer development, prevention, and treatment.
- To explore the mechanisms by which probiotics exert their effects in the context of cancer.
- To identify challenges and future directions for probiotic research in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of peer-reviewed literature.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical studies on probiotics and cancer.
- Evaluation of mechanisms including barrier function, anti-inflammatory effects, and immune modulation.
Main Results:
- Probiotics enhance barrier function, produce anti-inflammatory agents, modulate immune responses, and regulate the tumor microenvironment.
- Clinical studies show promise in reducing cancer risk factors and improving treatment efficacy.
- Combination therapy with probiotics and immunotherapy may improve response rates and reduce side effects.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics offer potential benefits in cancer prevention and treatment, particularly when combined with immunotherapy.
- Challenges include standardization, administration, delivery methods, and safety concerns.
- Future research should focus on personalized, strain-specific probiotics for cancer therapy.
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