Microbiome and cancer

Abstract

The aim of this review paper is to present the complex interactions between microbiome and the host and the importance of the microbiome in maintaining homeostasis. The ways by which oncomicrobes can influence cancer development, and ultimately the possible impact of the microbiome on the cancer treatment, are reviewed. Microbiome is a community of trillions of microbes and their structural elements, with significant medical potential. It is thought that the microbiome’s genome contains approximately 300 times more genes than the human genome. Microbiome is crucial for the homeostasis and well been of an organism. Dysbiosis in the microbiome can lead to developing of various negative impacts on an organism, including carcinogenesis. For some oncomicrobes is has been conclusively proven to be biological carcinogens, and for many others, there is an evidence of their possible involvement in carcinogenesis. Studies have shown that the microbiome can have an impact on every type of medical treatment, including anticancer therapy, by changing its effectiveness and toxicity. Future microbiome research will undoubtedly enable to open new possibilities in the fields of treatments and early diagnosis of cancer.

Keywords

• microbiome
• oncomicrobes
• cancer