The impact of gut microbiota on leukemia and prospects for novel therapies

Abstract

The Human Microbiome Project has underscored the pivotal role of the gut microbiome in human health, revealing its potential influence on leukemia development, progression, and treatment response. This review summarizes evidence on microbiome-targeted therapies such as probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, antimicrobial peptides, and nanoparticles. These approaches may improve leukemia treatment outcomes through immune and metabolic modulation and reduced toxicity. Although emerging data suggest beneficial effects, most findings remain correlative and limited by small, heterogeneous studies. Further mechanistic and clinical research is required to clarify causal pathways, standardize interventions, and evaluate long-term safety. Personalized microbiome-based strategies that integrate molecular and immunologic profiling may ultimately refine leukemia management and improve survival.