Research progress of intestinal flora in lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

This review explores the emerging role of gut microbiota in lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphasizing the gut-lung axis's integral role in these diseases. Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and COPD, a prevalent chronic respiratory condition, share common risk factors and pathophysiological pathways that may be influenced by the gut microbiota. Through a synthesis of current research, this article highlights the differences in gut microbiota composition observed in patients with lung cancer and COPD compared to healthy individuals, and discusses the potential mechanisms by which these microbial populations might impact disease development and progression. The review also delves into the promising therapeutic implications of modulating gut microbiota, including dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, as adjunctive treatments for these respiratory diseases. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on the need for a deeper understanding of the gut-lung axis and the translation of these findings into clinical practice. This review underscores the significance of gut microbiota in respiratory diseases and points towards a new frontier in personalized medicine, where microbiome modulation could complement traditional treatment approaches.