Gut microbiota homeostasis restoration may become a novel therapy for breast cancer

Invest New Drugs. 2021 Jun;39(3):871-878. doi: 10.1007/s10637-021-01063-z. Epub 2021 Jan 17.

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women. It significantly impairs a patient's physical and mental health. Gut microbiota comprise the bacteria residing in a host's gastrointestinal tract. Through studies over the last decade, we now know that alterations in the composition of the gut microbiome are associated with protection against colonization by pathogens and other diseases, such as diabetes and cancer. This review focuses on how gut microbiota can affect breast cancer development through estrogen activity and discusses the types of bacteria that may be involved in the onset and the progression of breast cancer. We also describe potential therapies to curtail the risk of breast cancer by restoring gut microbiota homeostasis and reducing systemic estrogen levels. This review will further explore the relationship between intestinal microbes and breast cancer and propose a method to treat breast cancer by improving intestinal microbes. We aimed at discovering new methods to prevent or treat BC by changing intestinal microorganisms.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Gut microbiota; Homeostasis; Novel therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / etiology
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / microbiology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Dysbiosis / complications
  • Dysbiosis / metabolism
  • Dysbiosis / microbiology
  • Dysbiosis / therapy
  • Estrogens / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans

Substances

  • Estrogens