Insights into the Human Microbiome and Its Connections with Prostate Cancer

Cancers (Basel). 2023 Apr 28;15(9):2539. doi: 10.3390/cancers15092539.

Abstract

The human microbiome represents the diversity of microorganisms that live together at different organ sites, influencing various physiological processes and leading to pathological conditions, even carcinogenesis, in case of a chronic imbalance. Additionally, the link between organ-specific microbiota and cancer has attracted the interest of numerous studies and projects. In this review article, we address the important aspects regarding the role of gut, prostate, urinary and reproductive system, skin, and oral cavity colonizing microorganisms in prostate cancer development. Various bacteria, fungi, virus species, and other relevant agents with major implications in cancer occurrence and progression are also described. Some of them are assessed based on their values of prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers, while others are presented for their anti-cancer properties.

Keywords: bacteria; dysbiosis; microbiome as cancer biomarker; prostate cancer; viruses.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, research grant PCD 2461/48.