The Microbiome in Precision Medicine: A New Approach to Cancer Treatment



Shirvanirad S^{1, 2} ; Nikkhah A³ ; Orvatinia MM³ ; Ejtahed HS⁴ ; Sarhangi N² ; Meybodi HRA^{2, 5} ; Hasanzad M^{1, 2}
Source: Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Published:2021

Abstract

Precision medicine is a new approach in medical sciences aimed at individualizing treatment, reducing adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and decreasing health care costs. Precision medicine is also able to maintain the health of individuals by regulating their composition of microorganisms (microbiota) using specific methods. Microbiota is the total stock of microbial species in different organs of a human body and their set of genes are called microbiome. The composition of microbiota is unique in each individual and is directly associated with genetic and invironmental facors, including lifestyle, and certain medications. The human gut is strongly influenced by bacterial communities. Evidence suggests that gut microbiota is involved in oncological diseases. Therefore, microbiota plays a key role in maintaining human health and reducing the risk of diseases in unstable environments. Generally, the microbiome appears to be a vital part of the precision medicine approach, since it leads to interpersonal diversity in all facets of a disease and also represents a changeable component that could increasingly be considered as a therapeutic target and improve drug resistance and responses. In this review, we highlight the importance of the gut microbiota and microbiome in cancer and their functions as therapeutic biomarkers in precision medicine approach. © 2021, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.