Microbiota and Cancer

The intricate relationship between the human microbiota and cancer has unveiled compelling insights into disease development, progression, and treatment. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in microbial communities, notably impacts cancer risk, particularly in colorectal cancer, through mechanisms involving inflammation, microbial metabolites, and immune modulation. Beyond risk, the microbiota significantly influences responses to conventional cancer therapies like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Probiotics, prebiotics, dietary modifications, and fecal microbiota transplantation emerge as promising avenues to optimize treatment outcomes. However, translating these findings into clinical practice faces challenges, demanding rigorous evaluation and standardization of microbiota-based interventions. Integrating microbiota modulation within precision medicine holds potential for personalized cancer care, provided ethical considerations and challenges are addressed effectively.