Advanced Therapies Journal

Advanced Therapies Journal

Targeted Therapy for Colorectal Cancer Using Probiotics as an Advanced Therapy

Reviewers

Author
Narges Mogharabzadeh
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, East Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/atj.2026.252674
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent cancers globally and continues to represent a significant contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Despite significant advancements in surgical techniques, chemotherapy, targeted treatments, and immunotherapeutic approaches, and variable treatment responses continue to limit clinical outcomes. Accumulating evidence suggests that the intestinal microbiota is closely involved in the development of colorectal cancer and may modulate tumor growth, host immune responses, and the efficacy of anticancer therapies. Probiotics have therefore emerged as promising microbiota-modulating agents with potential applications in CRC prevention and therapy. This review summarizes current evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of probiotics in CRC, focusing on their anticancer mechanisms, probiotic-derived metabolites, advanced targeted delivery systems.
Probiotics may contribute to cancer prevention and control through several interconnected mechanisms, including the re-establishment of gut microbial homeostasis, strengthening of the intestinal barrier, regulation of inflammatory and immune pathways, suppression of cancer-cell growth, promotion of programmed cell death, and generation of biologically active compounds, notably short-chain fatty acids. Recent progress in synthetic biology and advanced encapsulation techniques has facilitated the design of engineered probiotic systems that can serve as vehicles for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. Although preclinical findings are encouraging, clinical evidence remains heterogeneous and insufficient to establish probiotics as standalone anticancer treatments. Strain specificity, dosage, formulation, safety, and interactions with conventional therapies remain important challenges. Future research should emphasize precision probiotic selection, engineered microbial therapeutics, targeted delivery platforms, and integration with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Overall, probiotics represent a promising foundation for developing advanced, targeted, and personalized microbiome-based therapeutic strategies for CRC
Keywords
Colorectal cancer, Probiotics
Gut microbiome, Targeted therapy, Microbial metabolites
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  • Receive Date 16 June 2026
  • Revise Date 24 July 2026
  • Accept Date 30 August 2026