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INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF

CancerGenetics

• Gut Microbiome Influence on Gliomas and Their Impact on Tumor Immunity and Therapy

• Yasaman Baharvand,¹ Maryam Naderi Soorki,^2,* Narges Mousavi,³ Mohammadamin Hosseinzadeh,⁴
  1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
  2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
  3. Midwifery Department, Faculty of nursing and midwifery ahvaz jondishapur university of medica sciences
  4. Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University
  
  
  
• Introduction: The human microbiome, which contains between 500 and 1000 bacterial species along with various fungal and viral communities, is influenced by diet, environment, medications, and genetic background (1). The collection of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses that reside in the gastrointestinal tract is known as the gut microbiome (2). Advancing research on the gut microbial community, has opened new perspectives in the treatment of cancer and diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). It is estimated that microorganisms are involved in about 15%–20% of cancer cases. Awareness of the relationship between gut microbes and systemic tumors continues to grow. The contribution of the gut microbiome to carcinogenesis, as well as its role in influencing responses to treatments such as immunotherapy, are important findings that may significantly affect the future of oncology (3). Gliomas are CNS tumors that represent nearly 80% of all malignant brain tumors and remain the main cause of mortality in neuro-oncology (3).The annual age-adjusted incidence is 16.71 for benign brain tumors and 7.08 for malignant ones. Among primary brain tumors, meningiomas and malignant gliomas are the most frequently diagnosed (4). Glioma is the most common and deadliest adult CNS cancer. A major factor of its recurrence is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which weakens the host immune response. Gliomas release molecules that attract innate immune cells such as microglia and monocytes. These cells make up about 30% of the tumor mass, and their abundance is linked to poorer patient survival (5). Glioblastoma is defined by features such as microvascular proliferation, cellular heterogeneity, bilateral invasion, and pseudopalisading necrosis. These factors contribute to its complexity and resistance to therapy (6).
• Methods: We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published between 2020 and 2025 using keywords such as “gut microbiome,” “glioma,” “glioblastoma,” and “gut–brain axis.” Relevant preclinical and clinical studies on the relationship between gut microbiota and brain tumors were included.
• Results: The gut–brain axis refers to the two-way communication between the CNS and the gastrointestinal tract. This axis involves the gut microbiota, the enteric nervous system, neuroendocrine signals, the autonomic nervous system, and the CNS itself (2). The recognition of the gut–brain axis has encouraged research into how the gut microbiome is linked to neurological disorders, including gliomas and other brain tumors. It is widely accepted that intestinal microflora play a critical role in maintaining neurological and immune stability. When this balance is disrupted, it can trigger abnormal inflammation and potentially contribute to tumor development (7). In addition, recent studies highlight how the gut microbiome and its bacterial metabolites can influence both the effectiveness and the side effect profile of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Neuro-oncology findings in glioma research indicate that tumor growth can alter the composition of gut bacteria, fecal metabolites, and the activity of the innate immune system. While progress has been made in understanding the role of the microbiome in cancers outside the brain, its involvement in brain tumors whether primary or metastatic, remains insufficiently explored (1). Gut microbiota contribute to immune balance in the brain by regulating the activity of microglia, T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and other immune cells. Glioma development disrupts this balance, as tumor cells reprogram intracellular metabolism to support rapid proliferation. The brain’s immune environment is distinct and closely connected to gut microbiota and tumors through the gut–brain axis. This relationship is protected by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), a membrane formed by endothelial cells that controls the entry of antibodies, metabolites, signaling molecules, and immune cells into the CNS (8). Although research is promising, there are several barriers that must be overcome before microbiota-based strategies can be applied in glioblastoma treatment. These include the tumor’s highly immunosuppressive microenvironment, variation in gut microbiota between individuals, and the absence of standardized therapeutic guidelines (6).
• Conclusion: Recent research shows that the gut microbiome plays a key role in shaping immune responses and influencing tumor growth, especially in gliomas like glioblastoma. Although challenges such as glioblastoma’s immunosuppressive nature, differences between individuals’ microbiomes, and a lack of standard therapies remains, understanding and targeting the gut microbiome could offer new and promising ways to improve treatment.
• Keywords: Gut microbiome, Glioma, Glioblastoma, Gut–brain axis, CNS