Microbial Metabolites in Cancer Promotion or Prevention

Abstract

The trillions of microorganisms inhabiting the gut have been increasingly recognized for their role in modulating the health of their human host. They have been implicated in complex diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The metabolites produced by the gut microbiota have the potential to promote or prevent tumorigenesis, and influence cancer treatment outcomes based on their concentration, target tissue and utilization by gut inhabitants. The mechanisms by which microbial metabolites affect tumor dynamics are not fully established; however, emerging technologies continue to improve our ability to investigate these connections. In the interim, increasing research supports concerted efforts to promote a balanced gut microbiota for the prevention and treatment of multiple cancer types. This chapter introduces several classes of microbial metabolites and their mechanism of action with respect to cancer promotion and prevention.