Microbiome as a biomarker and therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Studying the effects of the microbiome on the development of different types of cancer has recently received increasing research attention. In this context, the microbial content of organs of the gastrointestinal tract has been proposed to play a potential role in the development of pancreatic cancer (PC). Proposed mechanisms for the pathogenesis of PC include persistent inflammation caused by microbiota leading to an impairment of antitumor immune surveillance and altered cellular processes in the tumor microenvironment. The limited available diagnostic markers that can currently be used for screening suggest the importance of microbial composition as a non-invasive biomarker that can be used in clinical settings. Samples including saliva, stool, and blood can be analyzed by 16 s rRNA sequencing to determine the relative abundance of specific bacteria. Studies have shown the potentially beneficial effects of prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, fecal microbial transplantation, and bacteriophage therapy in altering microbial diversity, and subsequently improving treatment outcomes. In this review, we summarize the potential impact of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of PC, and the role these microorganisms might play as biomarkers in the diagnosis and determining the prognosis of patients. We also discuss novel treatment methods being used to minimize or prevent the progression of dysbiosis by modulating the microbial composition. Emerging evidence is supportive of applying these findings to improve current therapeutic strategies employed in the treatment of PC.

The Effect of N-acetylcysteine on Alprazolam Withdrawal Symptoms in Wistar Male Albino Rats

“…The possible beneficial effect of NAC treatment in triple-negative breast cancer was attributed to the attenuation of ROS in the tumor microenvironment (17)(18)(19). In particular, treatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly reduces upregulation of the DNA damage marker γH2AX, subsequent ATM activation and cell death (20,21). The presence of NAC during ex vivo T cell expansion improves the persistence of adoptively transferred cells, reduces tumor growth and increases survival (22,23).…”

Advances in Precision Medicine Approaches for Colorectal Cancer: From Molecular Profiling to Targeted Therapies

“…Understanding the interindividual variability in the gut microbiome allows for the tailoring of therapeutic strategies to individual patients, optimizing the efficacy of treatments and minimizing adverse effects. Moreover, the gut microbiome’s potential role in mediating the metabolism of certain drugs further underscores its significance in the realm of precision medicine. , The gut microbiome’s influence extends beyond conventional treatments, with implications for emerging immunotherapeutic strategies in colorectal cancer. Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiome composition can impact the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, a class of immunotherapies that show promise in colorectal cancer treatment.…”

Gut–Liver–Pancreas Axis Crosstalk in Health and Disease: From the Role of Microbial Metabolites to Innovative Microbiota Manipulating Strategies

“…Since the GM influences several physiological processes, such as regulation of metabolism, its alteration can result in a whole range of undesirable effects, including metabolic problems and the establishment of chronic diseases [49]. Because of its implication in these different processes, recent evidence has shown that GM alterations promote the development of several neoplasms, including lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer and HCC, as well as pancreatic cancer (PC) [50][51][52][53].…”

“…12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 45 promote the development of several neoplasms, including lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer and HCC, as well as pancreatic cancer (PC)[50][51][52][53].…”