Interconnected influences of tumour and host microbiota on treatment response and side effects in nasopharyngeal cancer

Abstract

This study elucidates the intricate relationship between nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a significant malignancy predominant in Asia with notable global incidence and mortality rates, and the host microbiota, including those of tumour, nasal, nasopharyngeal, oral, oropharyngeal, and gut communities. It underscores how the composition and diversity of microbiota are altered in NPC, delving into their implications for disease pathogenesis, treatment response, and the side effects of therapies. A consistent reduction in alpha diversity across oral, nasal, and gut microbiomes in NPC patients compared to healthy individuals signals a distinct microbial signature indicative of the diseased state. The study also shows unique microbial changes tied to different NPC stages, indicating a dynamic interplay between disease progression and microbiota composition. Patients with specific microbial profiles exhibit varied responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, underscoring the potential for treatment personalisation based on microbiota analysis. Furthermore, the side effects of NPC treatments, such as oral mucositis, are intensified by shifts in microbial communities, suggesting a direct link between microbiota composition and treatment tolerance. This nexus offers opportunities for interventions aimed at modulating the microbiota to alleviate side effects, improve quality of life, and potentially enhance treatment efficacy. Highlighting the dual potential of microbiota as both a therapeutic target and a biomarker for NPC, this review emphasises its significance in influencing treatment outcomes and side effects, heralding a new era in NPC management through personalised treatment strategies and innovative approaches.