Regulation of Gut Microbiota: Is It Hope for Cure of Colorectal Cancer?

Abstract

The microbial dysbiosis is linked with inflammatory bowel diseases, hypertension, atherosclerosis, hepatitis, neuropsychiatric disorders, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and development of cancer. Despite the substantial developments in oncology, cancer is still not in the category of curative diseases. However, significant steps are being taken in this direction through the identification of factors that play a role in the stages of complex carcinogenesis. Recent data obtained from human gut microbiota has shown that commensal microorganism species living on the epithelial surfaces of the body have an active role in this process and are also associated with personal responses to cancer treatment and toxicity. We now know more about the role of Fusobacterium nucleatum, an important member of the gut microbiota complex, as well as other microorganisms in the formation, treatment, diagnosis, and screening of colorectal cancer. In conclusion, the growing knowledge of microbiota, a key factor in colorectal cancer formation and treatment stages, will change the early detection, treatment, and follow-up of these cancers. In this review, we evaluated the role of gut microbiota in colorectal carcinogenesis and cancer formation mechanisms, treatment, prognostic significance, and cancer prevention and screening based on the data obtained from recent studies.