The human microbiome plays a pivotal role in cancer initiation, progression, and treatment response, according to a major review article published in the open-access journal iMeta.
The study, led by an international team of researchers, details how bacteria, viruses, and fungi interact with tumours and the immune system to either promote or inhibit cancer growth.
Key findings include the identification of specific microbial signatures associated with various cancer types, the role of microbial metabolites in reshaping the tumour microenvironment, and the potential of microbiome-based biomarkers for early detection and prognosis.
The review also explores how the microbiome influences the efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, and discusses emerging interventions such as probiotics, faecal microbiome transplantation, and engineered microbial therapies.
“The microbiome is not just a passive bystander but an active regulator of cancer biology,” said senior author Dr. Peng Luo.
“Understanding these interactions opens new avenues for precision oncology and non-invasive diagnostics.”
The authors call for continued innovation in microbiome research technologies, deeper mechanistic insights, and robust clinical trials to translate these findings into effective therapies.
Paper: Lin, A., et al. The microbiome in cancer. iMeta. First published: 30 August 2025. Access online here.
Source: FAR Publishing Limited
