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Gadolinium Neutron Capture Therapy Influences Colon Microbiota in Experimental Breast Cancer
A V Kabakov1, O V Kazakov2, A F Poveshchenko2
1Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology - Branch of Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia. kabakov_av85@mail.ru.
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
|April 7, 2026
Summary
Breast cancer alters gut microbiota in female rats, decreasing beneficial bacteria like Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus. Gadolinium neutron capture therapy further impacts these microbes, though Lactobacillus levels recover.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Fecal microbiota analysis reveals quantitative differences in microorganisms.
- Untreated breast cancer in female rats is associated with decreased Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium spp., and Lactobacillus spp. abundance.
- Opportunistic bacteria Enterobacter cloacae and Enterococcus spp. were undetected in untreated breast cancer models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of breast cancer and gadolinium neutron capture therapy on fecal microbiota composition in female rats.
- To quantify changes in specific bacterial populations, including Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Enterobacter cloacae, and Enterococcus spp.
Main Methods:
- Culture-based analysis of fecal microbiota was employed for quantitative determination of microorganisms.
- Comparison groups included female rats with untreated breast cancer, rats undergoing gadolinium neutron capture therapy, and intact control animals.
Main Results:
- In female rats with untreated breast cancer, a decrease in Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium spp., and Lactobacillus spp. was observed compared to intact controls.
- Gadolinium neutron capture therapy led to decreased abundance of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Bifidobacterium spp. compared to intact animals.
- Following therapy, Lactobacillus spp. abundance increased to levels comparable to the intact control group.
- Opportunistic enterobacteria Enterobacter cloacae and Enterococcus spp. were not detected in cultures from either the untreated breast cancer or post-therapy groups.
Conclusions:
- Breast cancer significantly alters the fecal microbiota in female rats, reducing beneficial bacterial populations.
- Gadolinium neutron capture therapy induces further shifts in the gut microbiota, with a notable recovery of Lactobacillus spp.
- The absence of opportunistic enterobacteria suggests a potential protective effect or specific microbial response in this model.
