The East Asian gut microbiome and its role in oncology: a narrative review

Singapore Med J. 2023 Jun 1. doi: 10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2022-042. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

The field of onco-microbiome is rapidly expanding. Multiple studies have shown the crucial role of gut microbiota in the regulation of nutrient metabolism, immunomodulation and protection against pathogens. Tools for manipulating the gut microbiota include dietary modification and faecal microbiota transfer. Accumulating evidence has also documented the application of specific intestinal microbiome in cancer immunotherapy, notably in enhancing the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The aim of this review is to focus on the East Asian microbiome and to provide a current overview of microbiome science and its clinical application in cancer biology and immunotherapy.

Keywords: Cancer immunotherapy; East Asian microbiome; gut microbiota; microbiome modification; onco-microbes.

Publication types

  • Review