Intratumoral microbiota: Roles in cancer initiation, development and therapeutic efficacy Original paper
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
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.
-
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 […]
-
Intratumoural Microbiota
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.
-
Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
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 discusses the emerging role of intratumoral microbiota in cancer initiation, development, and therapeutic efficacy. It explores how microorganisms within the tumor microenvironment (TME), including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, contribute to the biology of tumors. The review delves into the mechanisms through which these microorganisms influence tumor growth, including genomic instability, immune modulation, and metabolic changes. Additionally, the article covers how intratumoral microbiota can impact the effectiveness of cancer therapies, particularly immunotherapies, by altering immune responses and influencing tumor sensitivity to treatments. The review highlights the potential for microbiome-targeted interventions, including the modulation of the TME to improve clinical outcomes in cancer patients.
Who was reviewed?
The article synthesizes findings from studies that have examined the presence and role of microbiota in various types of cancer. It reviews research on how specific microbial communities within tumors contribute to carcinogenesis and the progression of cancers such as colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and lung cancer. The studies reviewed include investigations into the microbial composition of tumor tissues, their effects on immune responses, and their interactions with cancer therapies. By drawing from both preclinical models and clinical studies, the review provides a comprehensive look at the diversity of microorganisms in the TME and their implications for cancer therapy.
Most important findings
The review identifies several key findings regarding the role of intratumoral microbiota in cancer. A critical discovery is that tumors, once thought to be sterile, host diverse microbial communities that vary across different cancer types. Specific bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum in colorectal cancer and Helicobacter pylori in gastric cancer, are linked to cancer initiation and progression through mechanisms like promoting inflammation, inducing DNA damage, and affecting immune responses. The microbiota within the TME can enhance or suppress the immune system, playing a significant role in tumor immune evasion and influencing the success of immunotherapies. The presence of certain bacteria has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors by stimulating immune cells within the TME. However, other microbes, such as those in pancreatic and breast cancer, may contribute to therapy resistance by creating an immunosuppressive environment. Microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), can impact epigenetic modifications and alter tumor metabolism, further influencing cancer progression and therapeutic outcomes.
Key implications
The review emphasizes the potential for utilizing intratumoral microbiota as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Understanding the microbiota present in tumors could lead to the identification of microbial biomarkers that predict cancer progression and therapeutic response. Modulating the intratumoral microbiota may become a novel strategy to improve the efficacy of cancer treatments, particularly immunotherapies. Interventions targeting the TME, such as using probiotics, antibiotics, or microbiome-based vaccines, could enhance the immune response, reduce inflammation, and increase the sensitivity of tumors to treatments. However, the review also acknowledges the challenges in this field, including the complexity of microbial interactions in the TME and the need for more research to determine the most effective microbiome-based therapies for different cancer types.
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.
Microbiome-Targeted Interventions (MBTIs)
Microbiome Targeted Interventions (MBTIs) are cutting-edge treatments that utilize information from Microbiome Signatures to modulate the microbiome, revolutionizing medicine with unparalleled precision and impact.
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.