The Role of the Microbiome in Liver Cancer

Moreno Gonzalez M,Beraza N. (2021)

Cancers


Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide; its incidence and mortality rate continue to increase. HCC has a poor prognosis and the curative options are very limited. The liver is closely connected (anatomically and functionally) to the gastrointestinal tract, which represents the largest reservoir of microbes in our body. Increasing evidence implicates communication between the liver and the intestine (and its microbiome) in the progression of chronic liver disease to liver cancer. In this review, we summarise current knowledge on the role of the gutliver axis in contributing to the progression of HCC, with a focus on the impact of the intestinal microbiome in this process. We also review the potential of therapeutic strategies based on modulation of the microbiome for the prevention of HCC progression.


Cancers


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