Diet-driven microbiome changes and physical activity in cancer patients Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This mini-review explores the role of diet and physical activity in modulating the gut microbiome of cancer patients. It focuses on the impact of various dietary patterns, such as high-fat, fiber-rich, Mediterranean, ketogenic, and rice-beans diets, along with the potential influence of physical activity on the gut microbiome, immunity, and cancer progression. The review synthesizes both preclinical and clinical findings to understand how these lifestyle factors affect the gut microbial composition and their potential to improve cancer treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.
Who was studied?
The review includes studies on cancer patients, primarily focusing on the impact of diet and physical activity on the gut microbiome. Various clinical studies and trials involving patients with colorectal, breast, ovarian, and other cancers are discussed. These studies involve both dietary interventions and exercise regimens, exploring their effects on microbial diversity, inflammatory markers, and responses to cancer treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Most important findings
The findings suggest that diet plays a critical role in shaping the gut microbiome, which in turn affects the body’s response to cancer therapies. High-fat diets are associated with dysbiosis and an increased risk of tumor growth, while fiber-rich diets have been linked to positive shifts in the microbiome, such as the enrichment of beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcaceae. Mediterranean diets also show a protective effect against cancer, with improvements in gut inflammation and microbial diversity. Additionally, regular physical activity is shown to independently modify the gut microbiome, increasing the presence of beneficial microbes like Akkermansia muciniphila, and reducing microbial taxa associated with inflammation and cancer progression.
| Diet Type | Action |
|---|---|
| High-fat diet | Associated with microbial dysbiosis, tumor growth |
| Fiber-rich diet | Enrichment of beneficial bacteria, reduced tumor growth |
| Mediterranean diet | Reduced cancer risk, improved microbial diversity |
| Ketogenic diet | Disrupted microbial balance, varying effects on tumor growth |
| Rice and beans diet | Increased microbial diversity, higher SCFA levels |
| Physical activity | Increased gut microbial diversity, enhanced immune function |
Key implications
This study highlights the importance of diet and exercise in managing cancer and enhancing treatment outcomes. Modifying the gut microbiome through personalized dietary interventions, such as high fiber or Mediterranean diets, could improve cancer treatment efficacy and reduce inflammation. Exercise, along with dietary changes, shows promise in maintaining gut homeostasis and improving the quality of life for cancer patients. These findings underscore the need for integrated treatment approaches involving clinicians, nutritionists, and physical therapists to optimize cancer care. However, further clinical trials are needed to better define the specific microbiome biomarkers that can guide personalized therapies.
Breast Cancer
Traditionally linked to genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, emerging evidence highlights the microbiome as a critical and underappreciated factor influencing breast cancer progression, immune response, and treatment outcomes.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal cancers affecting women worldwide. Known for its "silent" progression, this disease often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, making early diagnosis crucial for improving survival outcomes. With a variety of subtypes, ovarian cancer presents unique challenges in both treatment and prevention. Recent advancements in research are shining a light on the importance of the microbiome, particularly how microbial imbalances in the gut and vaginal microbiota can influence cancer progression. Repurposed drugs such as metformin and innovative interventions like probiotics, microbiota transplantation, and intratumoral microbiota therapies offer promising new avenues for improving ovarian cancer treatment.