Unlocking the Potential of the Microbiome in Cancer Therapy

Cancer continues to pose a formidable challenge worldwide, influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The introduction of high-throughput sequencing technologies has deepened our understanding of these interrelations, particularly the microbiome's influence on tumor microenvironments and host genetics. These elements are critical in influencing tumor heterogeneity, patient prognosis, therapeutic responsiveness, and overall clinical outcome. Furthermore, discrepancies in cancer incidence, progression, and outcomes across different populations highlight the importance of integrating biological and socioeconomic factors into ongoing cancer research. Heightened awareness of the microbiome's integral role in both cancer progression and therapeutic strategies has marked a pivotal shift in the field.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the multifaceted roles of the microbiome in cancer therapy. Our goal is to deepen the understanding of how microbiome variations influence individual responses to cancer treatments and to investigate how microbiomes can be intentionally altered to enhance therapeutic outcomes. We are particularly interested in how microbial metabolites and immune system interactions can be harnessed to develop novel, more effective cancer therapies.

To effectively explore the complexities of microbiome-cancer interactions, this Research Topic will focus on advanced multi-omics approaches and innovative biomanufacturing techniques. We welcome submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

o Probiotic and postbiotic interventions to modulate immune responses and improve cancer therapy outcomes.
o Targeting pathogenic microbes to develop specific antimicrobial strategies that enhance patient prognosis.
o Precision fermentation techniques for developing postbiotics with potential cancer therapeutic properties.
o Computational models that integrate host genetics and microbiome data to personalize cancer treatments.
o Novel biomanufacturing platforms for producing microbial metabolites with antitumor activity.
o Microbiome mediated immune modulation and leveraging microbiome-mediated
immune modulation in therapy.
o Microbial metabolite as a biomarker for early detection.

By exploring these avenues, the Research Topic aims to harness the potential of microbiomes in developing personalized, efficacious cancer treatments, bridging the gap between microbiological research and clinical application.

Keywords: Microbiome, Cancer Therapy, Gut Microbiota, Microbial Metabolites, Host-Microbe Interactions, Microbiome Modulation, Probiotics and Postbiotics, Immune Modulation, Biomarker

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.