Roles of microbiota in pancreatic cancer development and treatment

Gut Microbes. 2024 Jan-Dec;16(1):2320280. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2320280. Epub 2024 Feb 27.

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis. This is due to the fact that most cases are only diagnosed at an advanced and palliative disease stage, and there is a high incidence of therapy resistance. Despite ongoing efforts, to date, the mechanisms underlying PDAC oncogenesis and its poor responses to treatment are still largely unclear. As the study of the microbiome in cancer progresses, growing evidence suggests that bacteria or fungi might be key players both in PDAC oncogenesis as well as in its resistance to chemo- and immunotherapy, for instance through modulation of the tumor microenvironment and reshaping of the host immune response. Here, we review how the microbiota exerts these effects directly or indirectly via microbial-derived metabolites. Finally, we further discuss the potential of modulating the microbiota composition as a therapy in PDAC.

Keywords: PDAC; Pancreatic cancer; bacteria; fungi; microbiota; microbiota-derived metabolites; oncogenesis; pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; therapy resistance.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinogenesis
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Microbiota*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Grants and funding

The work was supported by the Deutsche Krebshilfe [70114815].