Influence of the microbiota on the effectiveness and toxicity of oncological therapies, with a focus on chemotherapy

Abstract

Recent studies have highlighted a possible correlation between microbiota composition and the pathogenesis of various oncological diseases. Also, many bacterial groups are now directly or indirectly associated with the capability of stimulating or inhibiting carcinogenic pathways. However, little is known about the importance and impact of microbiota patterns related to the efficacy and toxicity of cancer treatments. We have recently begun to understand how oncological therapies and the microbiota are closely interconnected and could influence each other. Chemotherapy effectiveness, for example, appears to be strongly influenced by the presence of some microorganisms capable of modulating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the compounds used, thus varying the real response and therefore the efficacy of the oncological treatment. Similarly, chemotherapeutic agents can modulate the microbiota with variations that could facilitate or avoid the onset of important side effects. This finding has or could have considerable relevance as it is possible that our ability to modulate and modify the microbial structure before, during, and after treatment could influence all the clinical parameters related to pharmacological treatments and, eventually, the prognosis of the disease.

Sports-Related Gastrointestinal Disorders: From the Microbiota to the Possible Role of Nutraceuticals, a Narrative Analysis

“…It is also extensively studied in the oncological field due to its ability to improve the health of the intestinal wall, enhance treatment tolerability, and reduce toxicity. Additionally, it can enhance host immunity and promote the growth of beneficial populations such as bifidobacteria [107,108]. Besides these specialized areas, probiotics can also be useful in other situations, such as those related to intestinal disorders induced by sports.…”

The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids, Particularly Butyrate, in Oncological Immunotherapy with Checkpoint Inhibitors: The Effectiveness of Complementary Treatment with Clostridium butyricum 588

“…As highlighted in some of our previous publications, the impact of the microbiota on various oncological therapies is now widely recognized, underscored by a fundamental influence in terms of both therapy efficacy and the modulation of side effects [ 26 ].…”

“…Clostridium butyricum CBM588 demonstrates remarkable beneficial properties due to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyric acid; it has been the subject of extensive studies in the field of oncology for its ability to improve intestinal health, increase treatment tolerability, and reduce toxicity. Additionally, it can enhance the host’s immune system and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria [ 26 , 61 ].…”