Antibiotics, the microbiome and gastrointestinal cancers: A causal interference?

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2022 Dec:67:102315. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102315. Epub 2022 Nov 6.

Abstract

Our understanding of the gut microbiota has significantly evolved over the last two decades. Advances in the analysis of the gut microbiome continues to reveal complex microbial communities and discoveries about their role in health and diseases, including cancer development, are continuously growing. In addition, research has demonstrated that the use of antibiotics can modulate the gut microbiota composition negatively and influence cancer treatment outcomes, suggesting that antibiotics should be avoided if possible. In this article, we review the role of the gut microbiota in the formation of GI cancers. We show that specific bacterial populations can positively or negatively affect cancer formation with specific attention given to gastric and colorectal cancer. We also review the role of microbial-targeted therapies on cancer treatment outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms* / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Microbiota*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents