Unveiling the intratumoral microbiota within cancer landscapes 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?
The review investigates the emerging concept of intratumoral microbiota, which refers to microbial populations within tumor tissues. Historically, tumors were considered sterile environments, but advancements in sequencing technologies have uncovered the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms within various cancer types. The article explores the role these intratumoral microbes play in cancer progression, immune system modulation, and therapeutic outcomes. It discusses how intratumoral microbiota contribute to carcinogenesis, tumor metastasis, and response to cancer therapies, particularly immunotherapy. The study emphasizes the diversity and complexity of intratumoral microbiota across different cancer types and tumor subtypes.
Who was studied?
The study focused on intratumoral microbiota found in various cancer types, highlighting their varying compositions and effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME). The research includes tumors from organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, skin, lung, and other epithelial cancers. It examines both the microbial species that directly colonize the tumors and those that may contribute indirectly, such as via hematogenous spread or through mucosal breaches. The review further considers the interaction between tumor cells and immune cells in the TME, influenced by microbial presence. This interaction plays a critical role in both the immune system’s ability to fight cancer and the success of cancer treatments, particularly immunotherapies.
Most important findings
The key findings reveal that the intratumoral microbiota can have both pro-tumor and anti-tumor effects. On one hand, certain bacteria and fungi can promote cancer development by inducing genomic instability, inflammatory responses, and immune suppression, enhancing tumor progression and metastasis. On the other hand, specific microbial species have been found to activate anti-tumor immunity by stimulating immune cells such as T and NK cells, activating the STING signaling pathway, and enhancing antigen presentation. This dual role of intratumoral microbiota in modulating cancer immunity offers new insights into tumor biology and therapeutic efficacy.
Moreover, the review highlights the heterogeneity of the intratumoral microbiota across different cancer types and even within subtypes of the same cancer, making it a critical variable in understanding cancer pathogenesis and therapy outcomes. For example, certain bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum and Bacteroides fragilis are more abundant in colorectal cancer tissues, where they may influence both tumor progression and the local immune response.
Key implications
The findings of this review underscore the potential of targeting intratumoral microbiota in cancer therapy. Modulating the intratumoral microbiota could improve immunotherapy outcomes, enhance chemotherapy efficacy, and reduce treatment resistance. Intratumoral microbiota may serve as novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, providing a deeper understanding of tumor heterogeneity. Additionally, therapeutic strategies, such as probiotics, antibiotics, or microbiome-targeted therapies, are emerging as promising adjuncts to traditional cancer treatments. However, challenges remain in fully understanding the molecular mechanisms through which microbiota influence tumorigenesis and therapy responses, necessitating further research in this rapidly developing field.
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.
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.
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.