MADRID Feb. 27 (EUROPA PRESS) –

Oncologist Elvira Buxó, specialist at the IOB Oncology Institute at the Quirónsalud Barcelona Hospital, has highlighted that the scientific community is studying microbiota patterns as possible biomarkers to identify the risk of oncological disease or the response to specific therapies.

“For now, they are not routinely used to diagnose cancer, although they could help in the future to identify risk or response to treatment,” said the expert, who has pointed to advances in knowledge regarding the microorganisms that inhabit the digestive system.

“For years they have been considered passive, but today we know that they influence digestion, the immune system and inflammation, which has aroused great scientific interest in their relationship with cancer,” he explained, detailing that, in relation to the disease, some bacteria contribute to protection and others to a more favorable environment for tumor development.

In this way, he stressed that it is a “very active” field of research, which at the moment shows the relationship between microbiota and gastrointestinal tumors (colon or stomach) and reveals its influence on the response to oncological treatments in other cancers, such as lung or melanoma, especially with immunotherapy.

THE ROLE OF DIET

The dietitian nutritionist specialized in oncological nutrition at the IOB Adriana Alcaraz has highlighted the role of the intestine and its microbiota during the oncological process, taking into account that they influence the regulation of the immune system, the control of inflammation, metabolism and the maintenance of the intestinal barrier.

Alcaraz has commented on the evidence on the participation of the microbiota in the production of beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, which contribute to maintaining a more stable intestinal environment. However, he pointed out that it still cannot be said that “improving the microbiota” alone increases survival or response to treatments in all patients.

“What is consistent is that diet is the most powerful modifiable factor to promote a diverse and functional microbiota, and this fits with a fundamental clinical objective in oncology: reaching treatment with the best possible nutritional and physical state,” he stated.

When preparing the diet, he explained that the main objective should be to adequately cover the energy, protein and micronutrient requirements with a quality diet that prioritizes fresh and minimally processed foods, in addition to avoiding foods rich in simple sugars.

Along these lines, it has called to clearly minimize ultra-processed foods, products with long lists of ingredients, rich in simple sugars, refined flours, low-quality fats and additives, which displace nutrient-dense foods and are associated with a worse metabolic and inflammatory profile.

After cancer, both experts have agreed on the need to continue taking care of the microbiota. According to Dr. Buxó, “there is no evidence to ensure that it prevents relapses, but a balanced microbiota is associated with healthy habits. Taking care of it is part of a global health strategy, along with screening, exercise and an adequate diet.”