Gut microbiota and probiotics: Current status and their role in cancer therapeutics

Abstract

Preclinical Research The microbiome is a collection of all microbial species that coexist with an individual. These organisms influence several aspects of individual body functions. Probiotic organisms are generally beneficial components of microflora and confer normal health status. Usually, probiotics should be provided from the outside in the diet for maintaining proper health status. Probiotics can also have a significant impact on cancer management. While the results toward cancer management with probiotics are promising, careful risk assessment of probiotics use in cancer patients, who are usually immunocompromised due to radical therapy, comes as a great demand. This article provides an overview of the current research status of probiotics use in cancer patients and discusses the role of probiotics in cancer management. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.