Gut Microbiota: Influence on Carcinogenesis and Modulation Strategies by Drug Delivery Systems to Improve Cancer Therapy

Gut microbiota have close interactions with the host. It can affect cancer progression and the outcomes of cancer therapy, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. Therefore, approaches toward the modulation of gut microbiota will enhance cancer prevention and treatment. Modern drug delivery systems (DDS) are emerging as rational and promising tools for microbiota intervention. These delivery systems have compensated for the obstacles associated with traditional treatments. In this review, the essential roles of gut microbiota in carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and various cancer therapies are first introduced. Next, advances in DDS that are aimed at enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapy by modulating or engineering gut microbiota are highlighted. Finally, the challenges and opportunities associated with the application of DDS targeting gut microbiota for cancer prevention and treatment are briefly discussed. Gut microbiota play essential roles in carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and cancer therapy. Modern drug delivery systems (DDS) have been exploited as rational and promising tools for microbiota modulation. DDS are able to overcome obstacles associated with traditional microbiota‐modulating treatments and efficiently improve therapeutic effects on cancer by delivering prebiotics and probiotics, selectively eliminating pro‐tumoral bacteria, and capturing bacteria products.