From dysbiosis to precision therapy: decoding the gut-bladder axis in bladder carcinogenesis

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• The gut-bladder axis (GBA) connects the gastrointestinal and urinary systems, impacting bladder cancer development.
• Gut dysbiosis, microbial metabolites, and neuro-immune pathways are implicated in bladder cancer.
• Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) modulate tumor behavior via immune regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of the gut-bladder axis in bladder cancer.
• To review current understanding of GBA mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
• To identify challenges and future directions in GBA research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on the gut-bladder axis and bladder cancer.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms, including microbial metabolites and signaling pathways.
• Evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies involving microbiota modulation.

Main Results:

• GBA crosstalk involves neural pathways and shared receptors (FXR, TLR4).
• Microbiota modulation shows promise in enhancing cancer therapies (e.g., PD-1 inhibitors, probiotics).
• SCFA-targeted strategies represent a potential therapeutic avenue.

Conclusions:

• The GBA is a significant factor in bladder cancer, with potential for novel therapies.
• Further research is needed to elucidate molecular mechanisms and overcome clinical translation barriers.
• Multi-omics, organoid models, and collaboration are crucial for future breakthroughs.