Gut microbiota in acute leukemia: Current evidence and future directions

Gut microbiota includes a large number of microorganisms inhabiting the human gastrointestinal tract, which show a wide range of physiological functions, including digestion, metabolism, immunity, neural development, etc., and are considered to play an increasingly important role in health and disease. A large number of studies have shown that gut microbiota are closely associated with the onset and development of several diseases. In particular, the interaction between gut microbiota and cancer has recently attracted scholars' attention. Acute leukemia (AL) is a common hematologic malignancy, especially in children. Microbiota can affect hematopoietic function, and the effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy on AL are noteworthy. The composition and diversity of gut microbiota are important factors that influence and predict the complications and prognosis of AL after chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and dietary regulation may reduce side effects of leukemia therapy, improve response to treatment, and improve prognosis. This review concentrated on the role of the gut microbiota in the onset and development of AL, the response and side effects of chemotherapy drugs, infection during treatment, and therapeutic efficacy. According to the characteristics of gut microbes, the applications and prospects of microbial preparations were discussed.

Automated summary

The gut microbiota, which consists of a large number of microorganisms in the human gastrointestinal tract, plays a vital role in various physiological functions and is closely associated with the development of diseases. The interaction between gut microbiota and cancer, particularly acute leukemia (AL), has gained attention. The composition and diversity of gut microbiota significantly influence the complications and prognosis of AL after chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Microbial preparations, such as probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation, show potential in reducing side effects and improving treatment response in leukemia therapy.