Microbiome and Human Cancer: Descriptive Literature Review

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Abstract

The term “microbiome” is defined as the community of all microorganisms and their metabolic byproducts within their environment. It also refers to the complete set of genetic material and the relationships between these microorganisms within a specific ecological setting throughout a certain period of time.

The human microbiome profile develops from birth and remains relatively stable throughout adult life. The microbiota’s primary functions include involvement in the most essential processes of the body’s vital activity, such as the development of adaptive mechanisms, immune defense, physiological homeostasis, cognitive function, and regulation of energy resources within the body. Consequently, the microbiota plays a pivotal role in preserving equilibrium within the macroorganism itself and between the macroorganism and its environment.

This article presents the findings of numerous scientific investigations that examine the impact of microbiota on the vital activity of tumors. These studies demonstrate that the microbiota can either accelerate or decelerate tumor growth, and in certain instances, the bacterial community does not contribute to the development of tumors.

Tumors, characterized by the profound cellular changes resulting from the impairment of essential DNA mechanisms, create a specific environment that fosters bacterial colonization. In general, tumor tissue is known to have a higher bacterial load compared to normal tissue. Bacteria have been observed to produce certain metabolites that are subsequently used by tumor cells. Consequently, these bacteria and tumor cells compete directly for nutrients essential to their vital functions. The study examines the conditions underlying a particular scenario in which tumors and microbiota may interact.

The review presents findings from studies that have sought to regulate intratumor microbes as a potential new target for anti-cancer therapy. This includes the use of bacterial platforms and fecal microbiota transplantation.

Additionally, this study presents investigational findings concerning the use of microbiota in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infection, with a focus on chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic protocols. These findings corroborate the efficacy of microbiota-based interventions and concurrently highlight the potential for adverse complications.

About the authors

Diana N. Arutyunyan

Altai State Medical University

Email: doc.arutyunyan@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0006-8877-1329
SPIN-code: 3683-3972
Russian Federation, Barnaul

Valentina D. Petrova

Altai State Medical University

Email: valent_04@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-7169-9646
SPIN-code: 2941-6649

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine), Assistant Professor

Russian Federation, Barnaul

Svetlana A. Terekhova

Altai State Medical University

Author for correspondence.
Email: quip@list.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0001-4594-4529
SPIN-code: 7564-1647

Cand. Sci. (Medicine), Assistant Lecturer

Russian Federation, Barnaul

Alexander F. Lazarev

Altai State Medical University

Email: lazarev@akzs.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1080-5294
SPIN-code: 1161-8387

Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor

Russian Federation, Barnaul

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2. Fig. 1. The resident microbiome of a malignant tumor is specific and differs from the benign microbiome.

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3. Fig. 2. Four possible origins of bacteria in tumors outside the gastrointestinal tract: 1 — migration or invasion from the gastrointestinal tract; 2 — transfer from the circulatory system; 3 — selective colonization from normal adjacent tissues; 4 — carried through a metastatic process by circulating tumor cells.

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4. Fig. 3. Three stages of tumor metastasis are facilitated by intracellular bacteria: 1 — invasion and migration; 2 — maintenance of circulating tumor cell survival; 3 — targeted colonization of tumor cells. Both in the primary tumor and in the metastases, intratumor bacteria are crucial to the metastatic process.

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5. Fig. 4. Effects of microbiome on cancer. The human microbiome can affect cancer progression through roles directly at the tumour site, as well as in the gut. A) In the gut, bacterial relative abundance measures have been associated with cancer survival. Furthermore, the presence of specific bacteria in the gut has the ability to metabolize the chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine, decreasing its effectiveness. For immunotherapy, the presence of a microbiome is necessary to mediate the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade drugs. B) At the cancer site, bacteria are present both in the tumour milieu, and also inside tumour cells.

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