The dialogue between breast cancer and microorganisms
Yan Zeng1,2, Yuhang Jiang3, Yinde Huang2
1Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Chongging Academy of Medical Sciences, Chongqing General Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|June 15, 2026
Summary
The breast microbiota plays a crucial role in breast cancer development and progression. Understanding these microbial communities offers new avenues for breast cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Cancer biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Breast cancer exhibits significant heterogeneity and rising global incidence.
- Microbiota are increasingly recognized as critical factors in host health and disease.
- Evidence links breast microbiota to breast cancer initiation and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the origins and characteristics of breast microbiota.
- To summarize evidence on the role of breast microbiota in breast cancer.
- To explore microbiota-based strategies for breast cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Analysis of cross-sectional studies and in vitro/in vivo models.
- Evaluation of evidence limitations and research designs.
Main Results:
- Microorganisms influence mammary epithelial cell proliferation and malignant transformation.
- Mechanisms include estrogen metabolism modulation, inflammation, and tumor microenvironment remodeling.
- Microbes may directly induce DNA damage, contributing to cancer phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- The breast microbiota is implicated in breast cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic response.
- Further research is needed to overcome limitations of current study designs.
- Microbiota-based strategies hold promise for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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