The human gut contains about 100 TRILLION bacteria, outnumbering human cells 2.5 to 1, and produces chemical signals that influence immunity, metabolism and brain function.
The human microbiome—a vast ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms residing primarily in the gut—plays a crucial role in maintaining health, modulating immunity, and potentially influencing cancer risk and survival. Comprising over 100 trillion microbes and weighing approximately 1.5–2 kg, the gut microbiota collectively encode more genes than the human genome, forming what some scientists refer to as a “second genome.” Recent research has shown that microbial diversity and composition can influence inflammation, immune surveillance, DNA repair, and even drug metabolism, all of which are critical in cancer development and treatment response. For example, imbalances in gut microbiota (dysbiosis) have been linked to increased risks of colorectal, pancreatic, and even breast cancer. Moreover, certain bacteria can either promote or suppress tumour growth—Fusobacterium nucleatum has been associated with worse outcomes in colorectal cancer, while Akkermansia muciniphila has been linked to better responses to immunotherapy. Clinical studies now suggest that the gut microbiome may predict survival and treatment efficacy, particularly in checkpoint inhibitor therapies, with efforts underway to modulate the microbiome via probiotics, dietary interventions, or fecal microbiota transplantation to enhance cancer outcomes.
See this link: https://scitechdaily.com/ai-decodes-the-secret-language-of-your-gut-bacteria/
Universal mRNA Cancer Vaccine Shows Tumor-Eradicating Power in Mice, Accelerates Path to Human Trials
A new experimental mRNA vaccine developed by University of Florida researchers has demonstrated the ability to eliminate tumors in mouse models by activating the immune system, independent of tumor-specific targeting. The study, published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, suggests a potential paradigm shift toward generalized cancer immunization strategies.
Key Points:
- The vaccine works by stimulating PD-L1 expression within tumors, enhancing their susceptibility to immune checkpoint inhibitors and triggering robust antitumor responses
- In melanoma, bone, brain, and skin cancer models, the vaccine—alone or combined with PD-1 inhibitors—led to tumor shrinkage or complete elimination
- Unlike personalized vaccines, this formulation is designed to provoke a broad immune response, offering scalability and potential for off-the-shelf deployment
Why It Matters: This research introduces a third strategy in cancer vaccine development—immune system activation without tumor-specific targeting—potentially enabling a universal cancer vaccine.
