Advances in the Application of Intestinal Flora in Anti-Tumor Therapy

摘要

The intestinal flora is the normal microecosystem of the gastrointestinal tract. The intestinal flora has great complexity, and plays crucial roles in nutrient intake, host metabolism, endocrine signaling, homeostasis and immune regulation. Disorders of the intestinal flora can lead to an out-of-balance in immune system, and even results in an increased risk of diseases, including the occurrence and development of malignant tumors. Accumulating evidence shows that intestinal microorganisms may assist in systemic therapy by increasing the “heterogeneity” of the tumor, thereby promoting anti-tumor therapy. Targeting intestinal flora during the treatment of cancer has shown good efficacy. This review focuses on recent advances in research about intestinal flora, the relationship with tumor development, and the potential anti-tumor effects.