The microbiome and prostate cancer

There is growing evidence that the microbiome is involved in development and treatment of many human diseases, including prostate cancer. There are several potential pathways for microbiome-based mechanisms for the development of prostate cancer: direct impacts of microbes or microbial products in the prostate or the urine, and indirect impacts from microbes or microbial products in the gastrointestinal tract. Unique microbial signatures have been identified within the stool, oral cavity, tissue, urine, and blood of prostate cancer patients, but studies vary in their findings. Recent studies describe potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of the microbiome, but further clinical investigation is needed. In this review, we explore the existing literature on the discovery of the human microbiome and its relationship to prostate cancer.

Automated summary

There is increasing evidence that the microbiome plays a role in the development and treatment of many human diseases, including prostate cancer. The microbiome can impact prostate cancer development through direct or indirect pathways. Unique microbial signatures have been identified in prostate cancer patients, but studies vary in their findings, highlighting the need for further clinical investigation.