Cancer & Gut Bacteria

Gut bacteria plays a role in cancer development, progression, and treatment response. Gut

bacteria imbalance can lead to inflammation, which can trigger diseases like colorectal

cancer. Some bacteria like ETBF, a pathogenic strain of bacteroides fragilis can trigger an

inflammatory that accelerates the formation of cancerous tumors in the colon that called

tumorigenesis.

Cancer Progression

The gut bacteria can affect the progression of cancer by interacting with the immune system.

Lack of friendly gut bacteria significantly weaken the immune system that can promote tumor

development. Gut bacteria train and regulate the immune system to protect the body and their

absence leaves the body susceptible to infections and inflammation.

Cancer treatment

The composition of gut bacteria crucially affect how well a patient responds to cancer

treatments. Certain types of gut bacteria affect the efficacy and toxicity of treatments like

chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. Patients with a balanced gut bacteria may

experience better treatment outcomes. Some gut bacteria can enhance the effects of cancer

Immunotherapy and help more people benefit from the treatment. Antibiotics can disrupt the gut

microbiome and negatively impact treatment outcomes.

Cancer prevention

A high fiber diet and other dietary patterns may improve oncologic outcomes. Other ways to

regulate the gut microbiome include, prebiotics, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplant, and

nanotechnologies. A healthy gut microbiome has a balance of good and bad bacteria and yeast.

Diet and lifestyle can directly influence the composition of the gut microbiome. Eating a diet

high in fiber and plant foods can help promote a healthy gut microbiome and immune system.

Beneficial gut bacteria help train the immune system to identify and respond to harmful bacteria

and viruses. Gut bacteria trigger immune cells to produce antiviral proteins that eliminate viral

infections. Gut bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that help maintain the gut barrier, which

keeps bacteria and toxins from entering the bloodstream. Short chain fatty acids have

anti-inflammatory properties that can help suppress inflammatory reactions. A healthy gut

microbiome helps regulate the immune system so it responds to infection or injury without

attacking healthy tissue. The immune system constantly checks for abnormal cells, including

those that could become cancerous. Immune systems like T-cells and natural killer (NK) can

identify and destroy cells that are growing abnormally. Chronic inflammation can lead to cancer,

but a healthy immune system can control inflammation and reduce cancer risk. The immune

system is made up of cells, tissues, organs, and healthy bacteria that work together to protect the body.

There are two main parts of the immune system.

Innate immune system provides a general defense against common pathogens, such as viruses

and bacteria.

Adaptive immune system

Targets specific threats and learns how to respond to viruses or bacteria. The immune system has a form of memory that allows the body to recognize and respond to an encountered threat. The immune system can form memory cells that allow the body to respond faster and stronger upon repeated or similar pathogens.

Lifestyle choices and genetics can affect the strength of the immune system and the risk for

cancer. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding

smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help to promote the immune system.

Immunotherapy is a class of treatments that use the body's own immune system and natural

ability to fight cancer.