Decoding Microbiota in Genitourinary Oncology: Biological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications-A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Genitourinary (GU) malignancies exhibit significant heterogeneity.
• Therapy resistance is a major challenge in GU cancer treatment.
• Host-related factors influencing tumor progression and treatment response require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of the microbiota in genitourinary cancers.
• To explore the biological mechanisms linking microbiota to cancer.
• To correlate microbial profiles with disease characteristics and therapeutic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes preclinical, translational, and clinical evidence.
• Focus on renal, prostate, bladder, and testicular cancers.
• Examination of biological mechanisms and clinical correlations.

Main Results:

• Altered microbial profiles are linked to oncogenic signaling and the tumor microenvironment.
• Microbiota composition affects response to systemic therapies, especially immunotherapy.
• Observational data suggest microbiota influences tumor-host interactions.

Conclusions:

• The host-associated microbiota plays a significant role in genitourinary cancer biology.
• Microbiota modulation shows potential for influencing therapeutic activity.
• Findings support microbiota as a target for precision medicine in GU cancers.