Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics: A role in chemoprevention for colorectal cancer?

Mark S. Geier, Ross N. Butler and Gordon S. Howarth Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common form of cancer. Current treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are all associated with a high risk of complications and are not always successful, highlighting the need to develo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cancer biology & therapy 2006-10, Vol.5 (10), p.1265-1269
Main Authors: Geier, Mark S., Butler, Ross N., Howarth, Gordon S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anticarcinogenic Agents - therapeutic use
Binding
Biology
Bioscience
Calcium
Cancer
Cell
Colorectal Neoplasms - pathology
Colorectal Neoplasms - prevention & control
Cycle
Genetic Engineering
Humans
Landes
Organogenesis
Probiotics - therapeutic use
Proteins
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Summary:Mark S. Geier, Ross N. Butler and Gordon S. Howarth Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common form of cancer. Current treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are all associated with a high risk of complications and are not always successful, highlighting the need to develop new treatment strategies. The ingestion of probiotics, prebiotics or combinations of both (synbiotics) represents a novel new therapeutic option. Probiotics and prebiotics act to alter the intestinal microflora by increasing concentrations of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria, and reducing the levels of pathogenic micro-organisms. This strategy has the potential to inhibit the development and progression of neoplasia via mechanisms including; decreased intestinal inflammation, enhanced immune function and anti-tumorigenic activity, binding to potential food carcinogens including toxins found in meat products, and a reduction in bacterial enzymes which hydrolyse pre-carcinogenic compounds, such as β-glucuronidase. There is substantial experimental evidence to suggest that probiotics and prebiotics may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer, however to date there have been few conclusive human trials. Probiotics and prebiotics have the potential to impact significantly on the development, progression and treatment of colorectal cancer and may have a valuable role in cancer prevention.
ISSN:1538-4047
1555-8576
DOI:10.4161/cbt.5.10.3296