Gastrointestinal Microbiome Dysbiosis in Cancer Development: Mechanisms and Biomarker Potential

ABSTRACT Increasing evidence indicates that alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiota are associated with the initiation and progression of gastrointestinal cancers. Abundant evidence suggests that gastrointestinal microbiota dysbiosis plays an important role in the development of gastrointestinal cancers by producing proinflammatory and immunosuppressive signals. This review examines the role of microbiome dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal malignancies. The composition of the microbiota varies greatly among individuals and depends on various factors such as age, diet, lifestyle, genetics, medications, and environmental factors. Given this diversity, a comprehensive characterization of the gastrointestinal microbiota is crucial to elucidate its role in carcinogenesis. Therefore, investigating the microbial composition of the host gastrointestinal tract can provide important information about the status of gastrointestinal cancers.