The human microbiome links to prostate cancer risk and treatment (Review)

Prostate cancer (Pca) is the second most common cancer type worldwide. Microorganisms colonized in different body parts may affect the development/progression and treatment of Pca through direct or indirect interactions. The composition of microorganisms in different colonization sites and their effects on Pca may differ. In recent years, several studies have focused on the differences in the microbiota of patients with Pca, and dysbiosis may affect the inflammatory status, hormone levels and microbial metabolites leading to Pca progression. However, little is known about the interaction between Pca treatment and microorganisms; for example, how androgen deprivation therapy and androgen receptor axis-targeting therapeutics for Pca affect microbiota composition and metabolism, and how the microbiota affects treatment response in patients with Pca remain to be understood. The present review explored the current studies on the relevance of microbiota to Pca progression and treatment to provide direction for future microbiome-Pca research. Due to the complexity of the potential interconnections between Pca and the microbiota, further investigation is critical.