Study Links Unhealthy Gut to Breast Cancer Metastasis, Suggests New Treatment Avenues
A recent study conducted by the University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center has revealed that an unhealthy gut microbiome may contribute to the spread of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The research, led by Melanie Rutkowski, Ph.D., indicates that an imbalance in gut microorganisms can lead to a buildup of bile acids, which disrupts metabolism and immune function, creating conditions conducive to cancer metastasis. The study highlights that hormone receptor-positive breast cancer is the most common form of metastatic breast cancer, affecting approximately 225,000 American women annually. The findings suggest that modifying bile acid composition or using bile acid sequestrants, which are already FDA-approved for metabolic diseases, could potentially reduce cancer spread.