Effect of Probiotics in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Thu, May S, Ondee, Thunnicha, Nopsopon, Tanawin, Farzana, Izzati AK, Fothergill, Joanne L ORCID: 0000-0002-7012-1508, Hirankarn, Nattiya, Campbell, Barry J ORCID: 0000-0002-7407-012X and Pongpirul, Krit (2023) Effect of Probiotics in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis BIOLOGY-BASEL, 12 (2). 280-. ISSN 2079-7737, 2079-7737

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Abstract

Probiotics may have the potential to protect against breast cancer, partly through systemic immunomodulatory action and active impact upon intestinal microbiota. Given a few clinical studies on their curative role, we conducted a systematic review of the potential effects of probiotics in breast cancer patients and survivors of breast cancer, aiming to support further clinical studies. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and the CENTRAL databases from inception through to March 2022. A total of eight randomized clinical trials were identified from thirteen articles published between 2004 and 2022. We evaluated quality-of-life measures, observed bacterial species and diversity indices, probiotic-related metabolites, inflammatory biomarkers, and other responses in breast cancer patients and survivors. Results were synthesized qualitatively and quantitatively using random-effects meta-analysis. Different probiotics supplements utilized included Lactobacillus species alone (Lacto), with or without estriol; probiotic combinations of Lactobacillus with Bifidobacterium (ProLB), with or without prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS); ProLB plus Streptococcus and FOS (ProLBS + FOS); and ProLB plus Enterococcus (ProLBE). We found that use of ProLBS with FOS in breast cancer patients and use of ProLBE in survivors of breast cancer show potential benefits in countering obesity and dyslipidemia. ProLBS with FOS use decreases pro-inflammatory TNF-α in breast cancer survivors and improves quality of life in those with breast-cancer-associated lymphedema. Supplementing probiotics capsules (10⁹ CFU) with a prebiotic and using an intake duration of 10 weeks could provide a better approach than probiotics alone.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	breast cancer, probiotics, prebiotics, metabolites, cytokines
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	13 Feb 2023 09:02
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 11:22
DOI:	10.3390/biology12020280
Open Access URL:	https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/12/2/280
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3168334
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