Synbiotics: Complementary and Synergistic Approach Against Different Carcinomas

Synbiotics are preparations containing a mixture of probiotics and prebiotics to provide complementary and synergistic responses toward host microorganisms. Synbiotics confer various potential health benefits in numerous disease conditions such as diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel syndrome, neurodegenerative disorders, colorectal cancer, etc. Utilization of synbiotics has substantially impacted the treatment of various cancers like breast cancer, biliary cancer, esophageal cancer, etc. However, these are mainly employed successfully across the globe in colorectal carcinoma. This promising approach may be helpful by boosting levels of intestinal flora and suppressing the number of harmful pathogens. Different mechanisms by which synbiotics can act against cancer cells include a reduction in intestinal inflammation, activation of the immune system against carcinogens, and alteration in the intestinal flora. Despite their wide applications, further research is still needed to understand the interaction between host bacteria and synbiotics. A well-known mechanism of action also needs to be explored for enhancing the therapeutic potential of synbiotics. Moreover, an environmentally adaptable strategy should be followed to augment synbiotics survival rate and enhancing their functionality performance. The chapter describes the role of synbiotics in various types of carcinomas.