Quantitative evaluation of gut microbiota composition in pancreatic cancer: A pooled study

Abstract

Background: Prior research has demonstrated a positive association between the composition of gut microbiota and the incidence of pancreatic cancer. Nevertheless, a thorough quantitative and systematic evaluation of the distinct properties of gut microbiota in individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer has yet to be conducted. The objective of this study is to examine alterations in the diversity of intestinal microbiota in individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Methods: Search for relevant literature published before July 2023 in 4 databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, without any language restrictions. Results: A total of 12 studies were included, including 535 patients with pancreatic cancer and 677 healthy controls. Analysis was conducted on 6 phyla, 16 genera, and 6 species. The study found significant and distinctive changes in the α-diversity of gut microbiota, as well as in the relative abundance of multiple gut bacterial groups at the phylum, genus, and species levels in pancreatic cancer patients. Conclusion: Overall, there are certain characteristic changes in the gut microbiota of pancreatic cancer patients. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanism of action and the potential for treatment.