Cancer and the gut microbiota: an unexpected link

Sci Transl Med. 2015 Jan 21;7(271):271ps1. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3010473.

Abstract

Changes in the interactions among the gut microbiota, intestinal epithelium, and host immune system are associated with many diseases, including cancer. We discuss how environmental factors infuence this cross-talk during oncogenesis and tumor progression and how manipulations of the gut microbiota might improve the clinical activity of anticancer agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinogenesis / pathology
  • Dysbiosis
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Microbiota*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / microbiology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents