The impact of intestinal and mammary microbiomes on breast cancer development: A review on the microbiota and oestrobolome roles in tumour microenvironments

Am J Surg. 2024 Nov:237:115795. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.115795. Epub 2024 Jun 5.

Abstract

Microbiota affects carcinogenesis by altering energy equilibrium, increasing fat mass, synthesizing small signaling molecules, and formulating and regulating immune response and indigestible food ingredient, xenobiotic, and pharmaceutical compound metabolism. The intestinal microbiome can moderate oestrogen and other steroid hormone metabolisms, and secrete bioactive metabolites that are important for tumour microenvironment. Specifically, the breast tissue microbiome could become altered and lead to breast cancer development. The study of oestrobolome, the microbiomic component that metabolizes oestrogens, can contribute to better breast cancer understanding and subsequent treatment. Investigating oestrobolome-related oestrogen metabolism mechanisms in immune system regulation can shed light on how intestinal microorganisms regulate tumour microenvironment. Intestinal and regional breast microbiomes can determine treatment lines and serve as possible biomarkers for breast cancer. The aim of this study is to summarise current evidence on the role of microbiome in breast cancer progression with particular interest in therapeutic and diagnostic implementation.

Keywords: “Breast cancer”; “Microbiome”; “Oestrobolome”; “Oncology”; “Tumour”.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / microbiology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Estrogens / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Microbiota* / physiology
  • Tumor Microenvironment*

Substances

  • Estrogens