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What is the The Microbiome?
The microbiome is the community of tiny microorganisms—like bacteria, fungi, and viruses—that live in and on your body, particularly in the gut. Exciting research suggests that these microbes may play a vital role in how cancers develop, spread, and respond to treatment. By supporting research into this fascinating connection, we aim to uncover new ways to enhance cancer therapies and improve outcomes for patients.
Key Aspects of our research into
The Microbiome:
Microbiome Composition
The makeup of the microbiome—essentially, which microorganisms are present and in what balance—can vary significantly between healthy individuals and those with cancer. Our research team is exploring how an imbalanced microbiome, known as dysbiosis, might contribute to the development of certain cancers. By identifying microbial populations that may increase or decrease cancer risk, we aim to uncover new ways to improve prevention and treatment.
Certain bacteria, for instance, have been shown to produce substances that either promote or suppress inflammation, which can affect how cancer grows and spreads. Additionally, the microbiome’s composition can impact how the immune system responds to cancer cells or even how well certain treatments work. By understanding these complex interactions, our research team is paving the way for breakthroughs in personalised cancer therapies.
Influence on Cancer
The microbiome plays a significant role in how cancer develops, progresses, and interacts with the body. It can affect several critical aspects:
Tumour Development
Our research team at the University of Surrey is investigating how certain bacteria may play a role in either promoting or slowing down tumour development. These microorganisms can influence inflammation and immune system activity – both of which are key factors in how cancers form and progress.
Cancer Progression
Microorganisms within the microbiome don’t just affect whether a tumour forms—they can also impact how it grows, spreads (metastasis), and interacts with surrounding tissues, known as the tumour microenvironment. Understanding these effects could help us find ways to halt cancer progression.
Immune System Modulation
The microbiome has the incredible ability to modulate, or adjust, immune system responses. This can influence how the body reacts to tumours and even affect how well certain cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy, work. Exploring these interactions could unlock new ways to enhance treatment success.
Impact on Treatment
The microbiome plays a powerful role in shaping how well cancer treatments work and how the body tolerates them. From enhancing the effects of immunotherapy to influencing how chemotherapy drugs are metabolised, the microorganisms in our body are key to unlocking safer, more effective cancer treatments. Our research more specifically is looking at:
Response to Immunotherapy
Our research team is exploring how specific gut bacteria can improve the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors—powerful treatments that help the immune system target and destroy cancer cells. Understanding this connection could lead to better outcomes for patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Drug Metabolism
Microorganisms in the microbiome can influence how the body processes cancer treatments like chemotherapy. By altering the metabolism of these drugs, the microbiome can affect both their effectiveness and the side effects patients experience. Research in this area could help personalise treatments and make them safer and more efficient.
Potential for Therapeutic Targeting
The microbiome’s connection to cancer treatment is unlocking exciting possibilities for innovative therapies. By restoring or supporting a healthy microbiome, the research team hope to improve treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ overall well-being. Two key areas of focus include:
Probiotics or Prebiotics
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are compounds that feed these bacteria to help them thrive. Research suggests that using probiotics or prebiotics could strengthen the microbiome, making cancer treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy more effective.
Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)
FMT involves transferring beneficial microorganisms from the gut of a healthy donor to a patient. This process aims to restore balance to the microbiome and improve the body’s response to cancer therapies, offering a promising avenue for future treatments.
Research & Future Directions
The study of the cancer microbiome is advancing rapidly, blending insights from microbiology, oncology, immunology, and genomics. Our research team is working to unravel the complex ways the microbiome interacts with cancer. By doing so, they aim to discover new biomarkers that can help detect cancer earlier, identify innovative therapeutic targets, and develop personalised treatments tailored to each patient’s unique microbiome.
This cutting-edge research is only possible thanks to the generous support of our donors. Your contributions directly fund these vital studies, driving progress in the fight against cancer. Alongside the microbiome, we’re also exploring other exciting areas of research, including the role of exercise in cancer treatment and recovery and the development of biomarkers to tailor treatments more effectively. Together, these studies are shaping the future of cancer care.
Conclusion
A Promising Future
Our microbiome represents a promising frontier in cancer research, offering the potential to transform our understanding of cancer biology and treatment.
Although still in its early stages, growing evidence highlights the significant relationship between the microbiome and cancer, meriting further exploration. As we advance, this field holds the promise of new, innovative approaches to cancer therapy.
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