The Role of Gut Microbiome in Prostate Cancer: Current Evidence and Emerging Opportunities

Huang, Jing, Zhu, Xin-Hua, Trotman, Lloyd C, Tsao, Che-Kai (March 2026) The Role of Gut Microbiome in Prostate Cancer: Current Evidence and Emerging Opportunities. Cancers, 18 (6). p. 998. ISSN 2072-6694

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Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men, and growing evidence implicates the gut microbiome as a significant, modifiable contributor to disease evolution and management. Dysbiosis influences PCa biology through effects on inflammation, immune regulation, metabolism, and hormone signaling. Microbial imbalance can promote systemic inflammation and increase intestinal permeability, activating immune signaling pathways such as NF-κB-IL-6-STAT3. In parallel, microbiome-driven metabolic effects, including IGF-1 signaling and microbial androgen synthesis or recycling, may contribute to resistance to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Microbial metabolites, notably short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), exert context-dependent effects on tumor growth, treatment resistance, and progression. Conversely, beneficial microbes have been associated with improved treatment sensitivity and immune regulation. Together, these insights support the gut microbiome as a potential biomarker and emerging therapeutic target in PCa. Modulation strategies, including diet, probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), are being explored to improve treatment response and address resistance. As mechanistic evidence continues to grow, ongoing monitoring of the gut microbiome may help inform risk stratification and treatment optimization in prostate cancer.

Item Type: Paper
Subjects: diseases & disorders > cancer
diseases & disorders
diseases & disorders > cancer > cancer types > prostate cancer
diseases & disorders > cancer > cancer types
CSHL Authors:
Communities: CSHL labs > Trotman lab
CSHL Cancer Center Program
CSHL Cancer Center Program > Cellular Communication in Cancer Program
SWORD Depositor: CSHL Elements
Depositing User: CSHL Elements
Date: 19 March 2026
Date Deposited: 30 Mar 2026 12:46
Last Modified: 30 Mar 2026 12:46
PMCID: PMC13024810
Related URLs:
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/42126

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