What Does Bacteria Have to Do with Cancer? - The Influence of the Body’s Microbiota on Cancer in Cats and Dogs

Sep 22, 2026

The body’s microbiota maintains homeostasis and shapes immune function, metabolism, and tissue integrity. Evidence indicates that shifts in microbiota composition and abundance can affect cancer development and treatment response. Microbiota dysbiosis can drive chronic inflammation, disrupt immune regulation, and modulate molecular pathways that support tumorigenesis. It also alters cancer therapy efficacy and toxicity by influencing drug metabolism and immune responses. Bacterial-based anticancer strategies, including engineered bacteria targeting hypoxic or necrotic niches, are emerging as adjuncts or stand-alone options. This work synthesizes microbiota roles in animal carcinogenesis and reviews bacterial therapeutic advances, challenges, safety, and future directions for veterinary comparative oncology.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages25

Reading Time1 h 3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Companion animal welfare and healthcare priorities

Cancer prevalence and diagnostic/treatment challenges in dogs and cats

Keywords

Main themes discussed (from abstract)

Review What Does Bacteria Have to Do with Cancer? The Influence of the Body’s Microbiota on Cancer in Cats and Dogs Patrycja Kasperska 1,*, Iga Horodyska 1, Julia Mateja 1, Aleksandra Sobierajewicz 1, Marta Miszczak 2, Karolina Bierowiec 2 and Joanna Bubak 3 Academic Editor: Dominique Belin Received: 26 April 2026 Revised: 18 May 2026 Accepted: 25 May 2026 Published: 1 June 2026 Copyright: © 2026 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. 1 EZA Student Science Club, Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzki Sq. 45, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland; [120498@student.upwr.edu.pl](120498@student.upwr.edu.pl) (I.H.); [120501@student.upwr.edu.pl](120501@student.upwr.edu.pl) (J.M.); [120450@student.upwr.edu.pl](120450@student.upwr.edu.pl) (A.S.) 2 Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Division of Infectious Diseases and Veterinary Administration, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzki Sq. 45, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland; [marta.miszczak@upwr.edu.pl](marta.miszczak@upwr.edu.pl) (M.M.); [karolina.bierowiec@upwr.edu.pl](karolina.bierowiec@upwr.edu.pl) (K.B.) 3 Department of Pathology, Division of Pathomorphology and Veterinary Forensics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 31 Norwida St., 50-375 Wrocław, Poland; [joanna.bubak@upwr.edu.pl](joanna.bubak@upwr.edu.pl) * Correspondence: [skn.eza@student.upwr.edu.pl](skn.eza@student.upwr.edu.pl) Abstract The body’s microbiota plays a fundamental role in maintaining homeostasis and influences immune function, metabolism, and tissue integrity. A growing body of research suggests that fluctuations in the composition and abundance of individual microbiota populations may influence cancer development and the effectiveness of therapy. The condition of microbiota dysbiosis has been demonstrated to induce chronic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and, most significantly, modulation of molecular pathways that promote tumorigenesis. The efficacy and toxicity of cancer treatment can be influenced by the composition of the microbiota. Bacteria can modify the effectiveness and toxicity of chemotherapy and immunotherapy by affecting drug metabolism and the body’s immune response. In contrast, the development of anticancer therapies that utilize bacteria is gaining increasing interest. This alternative to conventional treatment utilizes the natural ability of certain bacterial species to selectively colonize hypoxic and necrotic environments. The exploration of natural and genetically modified bacteria as vectors for the delivery of cytotoxins, immunomodulators, or therapeutic genes in the combat of cancer is a current area of research. In addition, their capacity to stimulate an antitumor immune response is also exploited. Preclinical investigations in animals have demonstrated the efficacy of this therapeutic approach, underscoring the promise of bacterial therapies as either an adjunct to conventional treatment or as a standalone strategy for combating cancer. This article synthesizes the current knowledge regarding the role of microbiota in carcinogenesis in animals and discusses recent developments in the field of bacterial therapies. The text also addresses the challenges, safety considerations, and future perspectives associated with translating microbiota-targeted and bacterial therapies into veterinary and comparative oncology. Keywords: microbiota in cancer; bacterial therapy; oncolytic bacteria 1. Introduction The status of companion animals has evolved significantly, with pets now predominantly viewed as integral members of the family who provide vital emotional and

FAQs

How does the body’s microbiota influence cancer development and therapy outcomes in animals?

Microbiota composition and abundance can affect cancer development and the effectiveness of therapy. Dysbiosis is linked to chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and molecular pathway modulation that supports tumorigenesis.

What mechanisms can make chemotherapy and immunotherapy more or less effective?

Bacteria can change drug metabolism and modify the body’s immune response. These effects can influence both treatment efficacy and toxicity.

What are bacterial therapies for cancer and how do they work?

Some approaches use natural or genetically modified bacteria that selectively colonize hypoxic and necrotic environments. They may deliver cytotoxins, immunomodulators, or therapeutic genes and can stimulate antitumor immune responses.

Sep 22, 2026

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