Probiotics can reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer and help treat it, but this requires effective systems for transporting bacteria into the gut. The study was published on: Chinese Medical Journal (CMJ).
Probiotics are preparations containing live “beneficial” intestinal bacteria. In a new review, scientists analyzed data from the latest research on the link between probiotics and the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer.
Research confirms that when administered correctly, probiotics alter a person’s immune system and can even cause the destruction of cancer cells. Now an important task for scientists is to optimize the distribution of probiotics that can help bacteria best affect certain areas of the colon.
The mechanisms by which probiotics help the body fight cancer is by inhibiting the activity of bacteria that contribute to tumor development. Additionally, beneficial bacteria can prevent the entry of pathogens and repair the intestinal mucosal barrier. Probiotics may directly suppress tumor growth and may also suppress inflammation that contributes to tumor growth.
Finally, probiotics may increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy by inhibiting the growth of Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria, which is associated with the development of tumor resistance to treatment. In cancer immunotherapy, probiotics may enhance the antitumor immune response.
Overall, the authors concluded that the gut microbiome cannot be ignored in the treatment or prevention of colorectal cancer. By 2040, the number of colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer cases is expected to increase by 3.2 million, and the number of deaths related to it is expected to be 1.6 million. A healthy lifestyle, screening and timely removal of polyps can prevent the development of colorectal cancer or detect it at an early stage.
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