Probiotics as a Therapeutic Approach in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing concern worldwide. In recent decades, the incidence of CRC has increased, and this has been attributed to changes in lifestyle. The lack of physical activity, smoking habits, and a diet high in red meat and fat and low in fiber are important aspects of these deleterious changes in lifestyle. The increase in the incidence of CRC has impelled researchers to investigate methods for preventing and treating CRC with greater efficacy and fewer complications. Probiotics are an attractive and potentially promising therapeutic approach. They have been evaluated by a large number of preclinical and clinical studies in recent years, and it has been found that they can play a role in the prevention, treatment, and management of complications of CRC. This review provides a concise summary of the mechanisms of action of probiotics. Furthermore, it focuses on the results of clinical and preclinical studies that evaluated probiotics' effects on CRC management. It also discusses the effects of different strains of probiotics and their combination in CRC treatment.

Keywords: CRC management; Colorectal cancer; complications; prevention; probiotics; treatment.