Frontiers in Immunology · 3 authors, 1 centre
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This narrative review synthesizes evidence that microorganisms living within tumors influence cancer development and treatment response. It concludes that intratumoral microbiota is an emerging component of the tumor ecosystem with potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value, but its understanding remains incomplete.
This narrative review summarizes the role of intratumoral microbiota in cancer. The authors describe that microorganisms are present within diverse tumor types and can affect cancer pathogenesis through multiple mechanisms, including inducing host genetic mutations, remodeling the immune landscape, and regulating cancer metabolism and oncogenic pathways. The review highlights that these microbes can modulate the efficacy of anticancer therapies, particularly immunotherapy, by either synergizing with or attenuating treatment response. It discusses the potential of intratumoral microbiota as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets. Key limitations noted include an incomplete understanding of the diversity, origin, and colonization mechanisms of these microbes, as well as technical challenges like low biomass and environmental contamination.
