Cancer and The Microbiome - Microbiome Alliance for Disease Prevention

Cancer and
The Microbiome

Chronic inflammation can change the tissue environment, making it easier for cancer to grow. Chronic inflammation is a common mechanism underlying tumor formation in several types of cancer.

Tumor cells alter the tissues around them, changing their environment. This area is called the tumor microenvironment (TME). It is complex and constantly evolving. MADP refers to this tumor microenvironment as the ‘inflammatory cancer cloud’.

Due to the advances in next-generation sequencing, evidence has emerged linking the enormous role of microorganisms and its relationship with cancer.

With over 70% of our immune system located within the gut, our gut microorganisms are constantly interacting and communicating with our immune cells. Essentially, they act as a ‘command center’, training and guiding the immune system, influencing inflammatory responses.

Microbiome composition, microbial metabolites, and nutrient density

have an overwhelming effect on the protection against cancer.

“There is a direct correlation between one’s diet, the composition of the gut microbiome, and the absorption of cancer immunotherapy. The increased diversity of the gut microbiota has a profound impact on survival outcomes of cancer patients than those with lower diversity.”

~ Jonathan Peled, MD, PhD, Medical Oncologist,
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City

“The efficacy of cancer treatment is, in parts, dependent on normal immune function. Since gut microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating immune response, it is not surprising that dysbiosis affects treatment outcomes.”

~ Dibyendu Dutta, Ph.D. and Dr. Seah Lim, M.D.,
Researcher & Medical Oncologist, New York

MADP Circle of Hope provides supportive resources to help you advocate for your care.

Patient advocacy is a crucial part of your cancer journey. It is imperative to educate yourself and advocate for your care. No one will care more about your survivorship than you. Trusting your care team and treatment plan is essential.

Navigating the complexities of cancer.

Breaking down barriers.

Bringing NEW HOPE.

Precision Nutrition Fighting Cancer

_____________

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower contain glucosinolates. When you chew them, they produce sulforaphane.

Sulforaphane is then transformed by plant enzymes and gut bacteria into compounds called indoles and isothiocyanates, which help block cancer cell development.

Phytochemicals, also known as phytonutrients, have the capability to regulate gene expression, 'turning genes' "on" or "off."

Targeted Precision Nutrition fueling a Healthy Microbiome

has been found to:

Decrease harmful inflammation

Protect cells from DNA damage

Protect against pathogens (immunocompromised patients)

Metabolize and increase absorption of cancer therapy treatments

Block angiogenesis and reduce metastases

"If your microbiome is not intact, three (3) major classifications of cancer drugs absolutely cannot work in the body."

~ Rodney Dietert, Ph.D.,
Cornell University

"In a study of over 500 MSKCC patients, a certain group of gut bacteria were found to predict whether relapse of leukemia would occur after bone marrow transplantation."

~ Jonathan Peled, M.D., Ph.D.,
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

"Patients with melanoma eating more fiber-rich foods when they began immunotherapy treatment survived longer without cancer."

~ Jennifer Wargo, M.D.,
MD Anderson Cancer Center