Gut Microbiome and Cancer

Cancer is a composite disease subjected to a complex interplay between host genetic and environmental factors, such as microorganisms. Microbiota is an ecological community of microorganisms, which, among other important roles, seem to interfere in cancer biology. The alpha-bug hypothesis, the driver-passenger hypothesis, and the bystander hypothesis have been proposed to explain microbiota-driven mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Genetics of the host, diet, infection, or medical interventions, such as antibiotics, may influence the structure of the microbial community, leading to dysbiosis.