Gut microbiota ‐immune‐brain interactions in chemotherapy‐associated behavioral comorbidities

Increasing scientific attention is focused on the gut ‐brain axis, including the ability of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to modulate central nervous system function. Changes in the intestinal microbiome can influence affective‐like behavior, cognitive performance, fatigue, and sleep in rodents and humans. Patients with cancer who are receiving c hemotherapy experience similar negative behavioral changes and concurrent GI symptoms. These chemotherapy comorbidities can be long‐lasting and may reduce patients' quality of life and motivation to comply with treatment. This review summarizes the clinical and preclinical evidence supporting a ro le for the intestinal microbiome in mediating behavioral comorbidities through peripheral immune activation in patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy. In addition, evidence suggesting that targeted modification of the intestinal microbiome during cancer treatment could ameliorate associ ated behavioral comorbidities is reviewed.
Source: Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Review Article Source Type: research