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Sharma et al. Microbiome Res Rep 2024;3:3 Microbiome Research
DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2023.51
Reports

Review Open Access

Understanding the role of gut microfloral
bifidobacterium in cancer and its potential

therapeutic applications

Devanshi Sharma , Devanshi Gajjar , Sriram Seshadri
Institute of Science, Nirma University, 382481 Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

Correspondence to: Dr. Sriram Seshadri, Institute of Science, Nirma University, Sarkhej Gandhinagar Highway, 382481
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. E-mail: sriram.seshadri@nirmauni.ac.in; sriramsjpr@gmail.com

How to cite this article: Sharma D, Gajjar D, Seshadri S. Understanding the role of gut microfloral bifidobacterium in cancer and
its potential therapeutic applications. Microbiome Res Rep 2024;3:3. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/mrr.2023.51

Received: 29 Aug 2023 First Decision: 22 Sep 2023 Revised: 28 Sep 2023 Accepted: 30 Oct 2023 Published: 31 Oct 2023

Academic Editors: Christian Milani, Marco Ventura Copy Editor: Pei-Yun Wang Production Editor: Pei-Yun Wang

Abstract
Gut microbiota research has gained a tremendous amount of attention from the scientific community because of
its contribution to gut homeostasis, human health, and various pathophysiological conditions. The early colonizer
of the human gut, i.e., bifidobacteria, has emerged as an efficient probiotic in various diseased conditions, including
cancer. This review explores the pros and cons of Bifidobacterium in various malignancies and various therapeutic
strategies. We have illustrated the controversial role of bifidobacteria participating in various malignancies as well
as described the current knowledge regarding its use in anticancer therapies. Ultimately, this article also addresses
the need for further extensive research in elucidating the mechanism of how bifidobacteria is involved and is
indirectly affecting the tumor microenvironment. Exhaustive and large-scale research is also required to solve the
controversial questions regarding the involvement of bifidobacteria in cancer research.

Keywords: Bifidobacterium, gut microbiota, homeostasis, chemotherapy, carcinogenesis

INTRODUCTION
Bifidobacteria are Gram-positive anaerobes, which are rod-shaped polymorphic bacteria containing a high
G + C content. Bifidobacterium can be predominantly found in the mouth, ileum, colon, vagina, cervix, and
[1]
sometimes in dental caries . They are among the early colonizers of the gastrointestinal tract in humans .
[2]

© The Author(s) 2023. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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