Review Article: Probiotics and Oncogenesis: Clinical Implications

• Published in: Critical reviews in oncogenesis Vol. 30; no. 2; p. 49
• Main Authors: Leyva, Brayden K, Bonavida, Benjamin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 2025
• Subjects: Animals; Carcinogenesis - drug effects; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Immunotherapy - methods; Neoplasms - etiology; Neoplasms - microbiology; Neoplasms - prevention & control; Neoplasms - therapy; Probiotics - administration & dosage; Probiotics - therapeutic use; Tumor Microenvironment - immunology
• ISSN: 0893-9675
• DOI: 10.1615/CritRevOncog.2025058336

The interplay between probiotics and cancer development has emerged as a complex but important field in oncology research. While probiotics are known gut microbiome modulators and have the ability to modulate an immune response, their role in the prevention and treatment of cancer are inadequately understood. Evidence from peer-reviewed literature suggests that probiotics-mediated effects contribute to cancer prevention and treatment. Such effects include the enhancement of barrier function, production of anti-inflammatory agents, modulation of immune responses, and regulation of the tumor microenvironment. Clinical studies offer promising results in terms of therapeutic applications in certain cancers where probiotic bacteria may help reduce risk factors while enhancing treatment efficacy. Emerging evidence indicates potential benefits in the combination of probiotics with immunotherapy, including improved response rates and reduced side effects. Significant challenges remain, however, including the standardization of probiotic bacterial constituents, the route of administration, optimal delivery methods and safety concerns. Future research should focus on personalized treatment plans with emphasis on strain-specific effects and the development of next-generation probiotics specifically targeted for cancer applications, in combination with current treatment therapeutics.