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Published on: June 13, 2020
Modulating the head & neck microbiome for cancer- prevention
Sherin James1, Akhilesh M Wodeyar2, Akhilanand Chaurasia3
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States.
Advances in Immunology
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Modulating the head and neck microbiome shows promise for preventing and treating head and neck cancers (HNC). Interventions like diet and probiotics aim to restore microbial balance, reduce inflammation, and boost anti-cancer immunity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Cancer immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- The head and neck microbiome is crucial for epithelial health and immune responses.
- Microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) in oral and gut ecosystems is linked to head and neck cancer (HNC) development.
- The microbiome is a modifiable risk factor for HNC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on microbiome-based interventions for HNC prevention and support.
- To emphasize the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of these interventions.
- To discuss challenges and future directions in microbiome modulation for HNC.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on microbiome-based interventions.
- Discussion of dietary modification, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and lifestyle changes.
- Analysis of mechanistic links between microbial metabolites, immune pathways, and the oral-gut axis.
Main Results:
- Microbiome modulation strategies aim to restore microbial balance, enhance barrier function, and reduce inflammation.
- These interventions can strengthen anti-cancer immune responses.
- Emerging evidence connects microbiome composition to HNC treatment response and toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Microbiome modulation is a promising, precision-oriented strategy for HNC prevention, risk reduction, and survivorship.
- Further robust clinical validation is necessary.
- Addressing inter-individual variability and site-specific niches is crucial for successful application.
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