Dual Biological Effects and Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota in Breast Cancer: A Review

Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2025 Jan 20. doi: 10.2174/0113892010352725241226043912. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is a common malignant tumor. BC is serious and has a high mortality rate. The incidence of BC has increased in recent years. The incidence rate is higher in coastal cities than in inland areas and in urban areas than in rural areas. Affect the occurrence and development of BC, such as inflammation and immune response. One of the cutting- edge studies to gain insight into the pathogenesis of BC is through the gut microbiota (GM) influencing the health status of the human body. Advances in metabolomics analysis can provide a clearer picture of changes in the composition of GM. The composition and quantity of GM can affect the health of other parts of the body, and the disorder of GM can lead to the occurrence and aggravation of diseases in different parts of the body. This paper not only discusses the dual biological effects of GM on BC, the relationship between GM and its metabolites, and BC and its related mechanisms but also explores traditional treatments for BC as well as the treatment of BC through GM, providing theoretical support for the use of methods to regulate GM in the clinical study of BC.

Keywords: Breast cancer; anticancer; cancer therapy.; dual biological effects; gut microbiota; microbiome.