The Gut-Brain Axis in Brain Tumors: Insights into Tumor Development, Progression, and Therapy

The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication network linking the gut microbiota and the central nervous system (CNS). Recent research has highlighted the critical role of gut microbiota in influencing brain health, neurogenesis, and neuroinflammation. In the context of brain tumors, especially gliomas, the gut-brain axis plays a significant role in tumor development, progression, and response to therapy. Gut dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in microbiota composition, has been linked to chronic inflammation, immune suppression, and altered blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, key factors in glioma pathogenesis. Gut-derived metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and neurotransmitters can either promote or inhibit tumor growth, impacting the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune responses. Emerging evidence suggests that microbiome modulation, through strategies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary interventions, may enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve the efficacy of conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review examines the interactions between gut microbiota and brain tumors, focusing on how microbiota alterations may influence tumor biology and therapeutic outcomes. Understanding the mechanisms of the gut-brain axis could lead to novel adjunctive therapies in neuro-oncology, offering new prospects for personalized treatment strategies in brain tumor management.