Unveiling the microbial influence: bacteria’s dual role in tumor metastasis

As cancer research advances, the intricate relationship between the microbiome and cancer is gaining heightened recognition, especially concerning tumor metastasis, where bacterial involvement becomes increasingly complex. This review seeks to systematically examine the dual roles of bacteria in the...

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Main Authors: Liying Lin, Dongyan Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-03-01
Series:Frontiers in Oncology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1524887/full
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author Liying Lin
Dongyan Zhang
author_facet Liying Lin
Dongyan Zhang
author_sort Liying Lin
collection DOAJ
description As cancer research advances, the intricate relationship between the microbiome and cancer is gaining heightened recognition, especially concerning tumor metastasis, where bacterial involvement becomes increasingly complex. This review seeks to systematically examine the dual roles of bacteria in the tumor metastasis process, encompassing both mechanisms that facilitate metastasis and the inhibitory effects exerted by specific microorganisms. We explore the mechanisms through which bacteria influence tumor cell migration by inducing chronic inflammation, evading host immune responses, and remodeling the ECM. Moreover, the immunomodulatory potential of probiotics and genetically engineered bacteria offers promising prospects for the prevention and treatment of tumor metastasis. This article elucidates the complexity and emerging frontiers of bacterial involvement in tumor metastasis by examining the clinical significance of bacteria as potential biomarkers and evaluating the effects of antibiotic usage on the metastatic process. We posit that comprehending the biological characteristics and clinical significance of bacteria, as a critical component of the tumor microenvironment, will offer innovative strategies and theoretical foundations for cancer treatment. Furthermore, this article explores future research directions, including the application of microbiome technologies and bacteria-based therapeutic strategies, thereby offering a valuable perspective for the development of novel anti-cancer approaches.
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publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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spelling doaj-art-c64a4868bb074ba0988f073c40aa018a2025-08-20T02:57:32ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Oncology2234-943X2025-03-011510.3389/fonc.2025.15248871524887Unveiling the microbial influence: bacteria’s dual role in tumor metastasisLiying LinDongyan ZhangAs cancer research advances, the intricate relationship between the microbiome and cancer is gaining heightened recognition, especially concerning tumor metastasis, where bacterial involvement becomes increasingly complex. This review seeks to systematically examine the dual roles of bacteria in the tumor metastasis process, encompassing both mechanisms that facilitate metastasis and the inhibitory effects exerted by specific microorganisms. We explore the mechanisms through which bacteria influence tumor cell migration by inducing chronic inflammation, evading host immune responses, and remodeling the ECM. Moreover, the immunomodulatory potential of probiotics and genetically engineered bacteria offers promising prospects for the prevention and treatment of tumor metastasis. This article elucidates the complexity and emerging frontiers of bacterial involvement in tumor metastasis by examining the clinical significance of bacteria as potential biomarkers and evaluating the effects of antibiotic usage on the metastatic process. We posit that comprehending the biological characteristics and clinical significance of bacteria, as a critical component of the tumor microenvironment, will offer innovative strategies and theoretical foundations for cancer treatment. Furthermore, this article explores future research directions, including the application of microbiome technologies and bacteria-based therapeutic strategies, thereby offering a valuable perspective for the development of novel anti-cancer approaches.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1524887/fulltumor metastasisbacteriachronic inflammationimmune escapeECM remodelingimmunotherapy
spellingShingle Liying Lin
Dongyan Zhang
Unveiling the microbial influence: bacteria’s dual role in tumor metastasis
Frontiers in Oncology
tumor metastasis
bacteria
chronic inflammation
immune escape
ECM remodeling
immunotherapy
title Unveiling the microbial influence: bacteria’s dual role in tumor metastasis
title_full Unveiling the microbial influence: bacteria’s dual role in tumor metastasis
title_fullStr Unveiling the microbial influence: bacteria’s dual role in tumor metastasis
title_full_unstemmed Unveiling the microbial influence: bacteria’s dual role in tumor metastasis
title_short Unveiling the microbial influence: bacteria’s dual role in tumor metastasis
title_sort unveiling the microbial influence bacteria s dual role in tumor metastasis
topic tumor metastasis
bacteria
chronic inflammation
immune escape
ECM remodeling
immunotherapy
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1524887/full
work_keys_str_mv AT liyinglin unveilingthemicrobialinfluencebacteriasdualroleintumormetastasis
AT dongyanzhang unveilingthemicrobialinfluencebacteriasdualroleintumormetastasis