Potential effects of gut microbiota on host cancers: focus on immunity, DNA damage, cellular pathways, and anticancer therapy

The symbiotic bacteria that live in the human gut and the metabolites they produce have long influenced local and systemic physiological and pathological processes of the host. The gut microbiota are increasingly being recognized for its impact on a range of human diseases, including cancer, it may play a key role in the occurrence, progression, treatment, and prognosis of many types of cancer. Understanding the functional role of the gut microbiota in cancer is crucial for the development of the era of personalized medicine. Here, we review recent advances in research and summarize the important associations and clear experimental evidence for the role of the gut microbiota in a variety of human cancers, focus on the application and possible challenges associated with the gut microbiota in antitumor therapy. In conclusion, our research demonstrated the multifaceted mechanisms of gut microbiota affecting human cancer and provides directions and ideas for future clinical research.

Automated summary

The symbiotic bacteria in the human gut and their metabolites have a significant impact on the physiological and pathological processes of the host. The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized for its role in various human cancers, including cancer occurrence, progression, treatment, and prognosis. Understanding the functional role of the gut microbiota in cancer is crucial for personalized medicine development. This review highlights recent advances in research on the gut microbiota's association with human cancers and discusses the challenges and potential applications in antitumor therapy.