Human microbiome influence on head and neck cancer

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Cancer immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• The gut microbiota regulates systemic immunity, inflammation, and carcinogenesis.
• Established head and neck cancer (HNC) risk factors include tobacco, alcohol, and HPV.
• Emerging evidence implicates gut microbial dysbiosis in HNC etiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence linking gut microbiome alterations to HNC development and progression.
• To emphasize underlying mechanisms, diagnostic potential, and therapeutic strategies.
• To highlight the role of the gut microbiome in HNC treatment response.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on gut microbiome and HNC.
• Analysis of mechanisms by which gut microbiota influences HNC.
• Examination of diagnostic and therapeutic potential of microbiome modulation.

Main Results:

• Gut microbial dysbiosis can distally influence HNC by modulating immunity, metabolites, and barrier integrity.
• The gut microbiome impacts tumor initiation, development, and response to therapies like chemoradiation and immunotherapy.
• Alterations in gut microbiota are linked to HNC progression and therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome is a significant factor in HNC development and progression.
• Microbiome-based strategies offer potential for HNC diagnosis and treatment.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the gut microbiome's role in HNC.