Intratumoral microbiota: Implications for cancer onset, progression, and therapy Original paper
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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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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Divine Aleru
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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 reviewed?
This review article investigates the role of intratumoral microbiota in cancer onset, progression, and therapy. The authors explore the growing body of research on the microbiome, particularly its influence within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The article focuses on how microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, impact tumor behavior and immune responses, with the potential to either support or hinder cancer development. In addition to the effects on cancer progression, the review highlights the therapeutic implications of manipulating intratumoral microbiota, suggesting a new frontier in cancer treatment strategies.
Who was reviewed?
The article presents a synthesis of studies examining the microbiota present within tumor tissues. The focus is on research that highlights the relationship between specific microorganisms and cancer progression, immune modulation, and treatment outcomes. The reviewed studies span a range of cancer types, including gastrointestinal, breast, and pancreatic cancers, reflecting the diversity of microbial communities found within the TME. These studies collectively contribute to a better understanding of how intratumoral microbiota function and their potential clinical applications in cancer care.
Most important findings
The review underscores the critical role of intratumoral microbiota in cancer biology. Intratumoral microbiota are often distinct from those found in normal tissues, with certain bacterial species like Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides fragilis, and Escherichia coli consistently identified in colorectal cancer tissues. These microorganisms influence tumor progression through various mechanisms, such as promoting inflammation, inducing DNA damage, and activating carcinogenic pathways. For example, Fusobacterium nucleatum has been shown to contribute to cancer growth by modulating the immune response and promoting inflammatory pathways. On the other hand, the microbiota within tumors can also have an immune-stimulating effect, triggering T-cell activation and enhancing anti-tumor immunity. The review also highlights the dual role of intratumoral microbiota in cancer therapy. Certain bacteria have been linked to improved responses to immunotherapy, while others, such as Gammaproteobacteria, can cause chemoresistance by degrading chemotherapeutic agents like gemcitabine.
Key implications
The review suggests that intratumoral microbiota play a significant role in cancer therapy, offering new avenues for treatment strategies. Modifying the microbiome within tumors, through approaches like probiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), could enhance the effectiveness of current therapies. Understanding microbial signatures in tumors may also lead to the development of diagnostic biomarkers, allowing for more personalized treatment plans based on the microbial composition of a patient’s tumor. The ability to influence the microbiota within the TME could potentially improve therapeutic outcomes, making microbiome-based therapies a promising addition to the cancer treatment arsenal.
Intratumoural Microbiota
With the growing understanding of the intratumoral microbiota’s influence on cancer progression, the next frontier in cancer therapy is microbiota-targeted interventions. By introducing beneficial microbes or altering existing microbial populations within tumors, therapies can be designed to modulate the immune system, promote tumor suppression, and improve drug efficacy. However, challenges remain in deciphering the complex relationships between microbes, tumor cells, and the immune system, necessitating more refined research methods and standardized approaches to translate these discoveries into clinical practice.
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.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) involves transferring fecal bacteria from a healthy donor to a patient to restore microbiome balance.