We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Intratumoural microbiota: from theory to clinical application
Summary
Researchers reviewed how bacteria living inside tumors — called intratumoural microbiota — influence cancer development, immune responses, and treatment outcomes. They highlight that while some tumor-resident microbes drive cancer progression by damaging DNA and disrupting immune signaling, engineered bacteria could be harnessed as novel therapeutic tools to target tumors directly.
Cancer is a major cause of high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors are associated with the development of cancer in humans and result in suboptimal treatment. The human microbiota has been implicated in the pathophysiological process of cancer and has been used as a diagnostic, prognostic and risk assessment tool in cancer management. Notably, both extratumoural and intratumoural microbiota are important components of the tumor microenvironment, subtly influencing tumorigenesis, progression, treatment and prognosis. The potential oncogenic mechanisms of action of the intratumoural microbiota include induction of DNA damage, influence on cell signaling pathways and impairment of immune responses. Some naturally occurring or genetically engineered microorganisms can specifically accumulate and replicate in tumors and then initiate various anti-tumor programs, ultimately promoting the therapeutic effect of tumor microbiota and reducing the toxic and side effects of conventional tumor treatments, which may be conducive to the pursuit of accurate cancer treatment. In this review, we summarise evidence revealing the impact of the intratumoural microbiota on cancer occurrence and progress and potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications, which may be a promising novel strategy to inhibit tumor development and enhance therapeutic efficacy. Video Abstract.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Tumour-infiltrating microplastics disrupt the JAK-STAT-microbiota axis to promote immunotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer
Researchers isolated microplastics from colorectal cancer tumor tissues and blood samples and examined their properties and effects on cancer progression. They found that tumor-infiltrating microplastics disrupted the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and altered gut microbiota composition, potentially reducing the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The study suggests that microplastic presence in tumors may be a factor worth investigating in cancer treatment outcomes.
Tumour-associated macrophages: versatile players in the tumour microenvironment
This review explores tumour-associated macrophages, immune cells that play complex and sometimes contradictory roles in cancer, both helping tumours grow and fighting them. Researchers describe newly discovered behaviors of these cells, including their ability to transform into other cell types. The study highlights the potential of targeting these macrophages as a strategy in cancer immunotherapy.
Microscopic menace: exploring the link between microplastics and cancer pathogenesis
This review examines the growing evidence linking microplastic exposure to cancer development in humans. Microplastics can accumulate in the body and trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and other biological changes associated with tumor growth. While more clinical research is needed, the review highlights that microplastics should be taken seriously as a potential factor in cancer risk.
Role of microplastics in the tumor microenvironment (Review)
This review examines how microplastics may help tumors grow by influencing the environment around cancer cells. Microplastics can interact with immune cells, connective tissue cells, blood vessel cells, and the tissue scaffolding around tumors in ways that may promote cancer progression and inflammation. While more research is needed, the findings raise important questions about whether chronic microplastic exposure could affect cancer development in humans.
Microplastics: an often-overlooked issue in the transition from chronic inflammation to cancer
This review explores how microplastics that accumulate in the human body may trigger long-lasting inflammation, which is a known driver of cancer development. The authors describe how microplastics can disrupt the gut microbiome, activate immune responses, and alter signaling pathways in ways that could promote tumor growth over time.