Probiotics: Potential Benefits and Safety in Hematological Malignancies

Abstract

Cancer remains one of the most significant global health challenges, with increasing incidence and mortality rates and a substantial socioeconomic burden. Traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation therapies, while effective, have significant adverse effects on the body, prompting the search for less invasive treatment options. In recent years, probiotics have emerged as a promising alternative in the prevention and treatment of cancer and its associated complications, especially in gastrointestinal malignancies. Probiotics have been found to have several beneficial effects on the body, including the ability to mitigate the gastrointestinal side effects of cancer treatments by restoring gut microbiota balance and improving intestinal barrier function. By reducing inflammation and enhancing the immune response, probiotics can also help alleviate other cancer-related symptoms and improve the overall well-being of cancer patients. Despite their potential benefits, the efficacy and safety of probiotics in immunocompromised patients remain uncertain, and caution must be exercised during their administration. Further research is needed to determine the optimal clinical use, safety, and efficacy of probiotics in cancer treatment.