Antioncogenic potential of probiotics: Challenges and future prospective

Abstract

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that have shown to possess numerous health benefits. Recently, there has been budding interests in the utilization of probiotics as a prospective weapon for cancer deterrence and management. The antioncogenic attributes of probiotics were provided through various mechanisms such as immune modulation, production of anticancer compounds, and regulation of intestinal microbiota. The current study shed light on the antioncogenic probiotic strains and explored their anticancer mechanisms. However, the use of probiotics for cancer prevention and treatment also poses several challenges, including the identification of specific strains with the most potent antioncogenic effects, the optimal dosage and duration of treatment, and the hazards allied with the implementation of live microorganisms. Additionally, the heterogeneity of cancer types and patients' microbiomes further complicate the selection of probiotics for clinical applications. Hence, future study should concentrate on the development of alternative approaches such as the use of microbial-derived components, genetically modified probiotics, and synthetic biology to overcome these challenges and enhance the antioncogenic potential of probiotics.