New insights into the effects of microbiome and its derived metabolites on targeted immunotherapy

Bibliographic Information
Authors: Elghannam M.T.; Hassanien M.H.; Ameen Y.A.R.; Turky E.A.; ELattar G.M.; ELRay A.A.; ELTalkawy M.D.
Journal: Journal of the Egyptian National Cancer Institute
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Publication Date: 16 November 2025
Volume / Issue: Volume 37 / Issue 1
Article No.: 74
ISSN: 11100362
DOI: 10.1186/s43046-025-00330-x
Scopus: View on Scopus
PubMed: 41243049
Document Type: Review
Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access
Authors and Affiliations
Elghannam M.T., Hepatogastroenterology deparment, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Hassanien M.H., Hepatogastroenterology deparment, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Ameen Y.A.R., Hepatogastroenterology deparment, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Turky E.A., Hepatogastroenterology deparment, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; ELattar G.M., Hepatogastroenterology deparment, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; ELRay A.A., Hepatogastroenterology deparment, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; ELTalkawy M.D., Hepatogastroenterology deparment, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
Abstract
The significance of gut bacteria and their byproducts is gaining greater recognition, especially in the realm of immunotherapy. An imbalance in gut bacteria or their byproducts is intricately linked to the onset, progression, and treatment of cancer. Metabolites derived from gut microbiota, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), secondary bile acids (SBAs), indole derivatives, and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), engage with cellular targets to initiate intracellular signaling pathways. These signals are conveyed to the cell, influencing its growth. Targeted therapies encompass a complex and ever-evolving area that is crucial in cancer management. Nonetheless, it is vital to recognize that targeted therapy encounters a multitude of challenges. Factors influencing the success of targeted therapy include drug resistance resulting from prolonged use, side effects, and variations in genetic mutations, tumor diversity, and the complex nature of the tumor microenvironment. Recently, we have deepened our understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiome and anticancer targeted therapies. This is one face of the molecular pathologic epidemiology. This prompts us to investigate promising treatment strategies linked to these gut bacteria and their metabolites, thereby unlocking new possibilities for targeted anticancer therapies. © The Author(s) 2025.
Keywords
Bacterial metabolites; Drug-resistance; Gut microbiota; Targeted therapy; Bile Acids and Salts; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Immunotherapy; Indoles; Methylamines; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment; bile acid; indole derivative; short chain fatty acid; trimethylamine oxide; methylamine; trimethyloxamine; volatile fatty acid; antineoplastic activity; cancer inhibition; drug resistance; drug therapy; gut microbiome; human; intestine flora; intracellular signaling; metabolite; microbiome; nonhuman; pharmacology; review; signal transduction; drug effect; immunology; metabolism; microbiology; molecularly targeted therapy; neoplasm; procedures; therapy
Citation Information
Scopus Citations: 1
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