Metabolism-Driven Modulation by the Human Microbiota: Implications for Cancer Therapy and Emerging Strategies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• The human microbiome significantly impacts cancer development, progression, and response to therapy.
• Epidemiologic studies link microbiome composition to various malignancies, with microbes influencing carcinogenesis via metabolites and immune modulation.
• Beyond the gut, microbiomes at other sites (cervix, lung, skin) also affect cancer risk and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of the human microbiome in oncology.
• To highlight the potential of site-specific microbial signatures as noninvasive cancer biomarkers.
• To explore microbiome-based interventions for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiologic studies and emerging evidence on the human microbiome in cancer.
• Analysis of microbial influence on carcinogenesis at various body sites.
• Evaluation of microbiome's role in cancer therapeutic outcomes.

Main Results:

• Specific microbial taxa can directly cause cancer or influence tumorigenesis through metabolites and immune modulation.
• Microbiomes in cervix, lung, and skin interact with local factors (e.g., HPV, inflammation) to affect cancer.
• Distinct microbial signatures show promise as noninvasive biomarkers for early cancer detection and prognosis.

Conclusions:

• The human microbiome is integral to cancer development, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Microbiome-targeted interventions hold potential for personalized cancer prevention and therapy.
• Integrating microbiome research into oncology opens new avenues for improved patient outcomes.