The microbial landscape of tumors: A deep dive into intratumoral microbiota Original paper
Researched by:
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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.
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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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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.
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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 studied?
This review focuses on the role of intratumoral microbiota in cancer biology. The study investigates how microbial populations within tumor tissues contribute to the initiation, progression, and metastasis of various cancers. It also examines the impact of intratumoral microbiota on cancer treatment outcomes, particularly in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. By analyzing the microbial composition within tumors, the review uncovers how microorganisms influence the tumor microenvironment (TME) and interact with immune cells, promoting or inhibiting tumor growth.
Who was studied?
The review includes findings from studies on various cancer types, such as colorectal, pancreatic, breast, and oral cancers, analyzing microbial species present within tumor tissues. The studies examined tumor biopsies, adjacent tissues, and the broader TME, exploring how the presence and abundance of certain microbes influence cancer progression and immune responses. Key microbial species such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli, and Bacteroides fragilis were discussed, with a focus on how their presence in tumors contributes to cancer development, metastasis, and resistance to treatment.
Most important findings
The review identifies significant microbial species that contribute to tumor initiation, immune modulation, and therapeutic resistance. The review highlights how microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and lipopolysaccharides, play key roles in shaping the TME by modulating immune responses and promoting tumor growth. In some cases, microbes such as Bacteroides fragilis can activate oncogenic signaling pathways like Wnt/β-catenin, contributing to cancer metastasis and progression. The review also underscores the complex interaction between tumor-resident microbes and host immune cells, suggesting that intratumoral microbiota can both enhance and suppress immune responses, thus influencing therapeutic outcomes.
Key implications
The review suggests that intratumoral microbiota may serve as biomarkers for early cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment response. The findings highlight the potential of microbiome-based therapies, including probiotics, antibiotics, or engineered bacterial strains, to modulate the TME and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. However, it is clear that more research is needed to better understand the complex relationship between intratumoral microbiota and cancer biology. Identifying specific microbial signatures could allow for personalized treatment plans, optimizing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. The review also points to the need for advanced techniques in profiling tumor-associated microbiota and developing targeted therapeutic strategies that leverage microbiome modulation to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
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.