Gut microbiota in cancer: insights on microbial metabolites and therapeutic strategies

Med Oncol. 2023 Dec 21;41(1):25. doi: 10.1007/s12032-023-02249-6.

Abstract

In recent years, the role of gut microbiota in cancer treatment has attracted substantial attention. It is now well established that gut microbiota and its metabolites significantly contribute to the incidence, treatment, and prognosis of various cancers. This review provides a comprehensive review on the pivotal role of gut microbiota and their metabolites in cancer initiation and progression. Furthermore, it evaluates the impact of gut microbiota on the efficacy and associated side effects of anticancer therapies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, thus emphasizing the clinical importance of gut microbiota reconstitution in cancer treatment.

Keywords: Cancer; Chemotherapy; Fecal microbiota transplantation; Gut microbiota; Immunotherapy; Metabolites; Probiotics; Radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Radiation Oncology*