Changes in intestinal microbiota in patients with pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with an asymptomatic early stage, often resulting in rapid invasion of adjacent tissues and organs and a high mortality rate. Recent research has increasingly examined the gut microbiome as a potential factor in PC pathogenesis. Although changes in gut microbiota composition have been reported in patients with PC, a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between gut microbiota and PC has not been systematically conducted.<h4>Methods</h4>A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted, and a meta-analysis was performed on 10 studies including a total of 324 patients with PC.<h4>Results</h4>The meta-analysis did not identify a statistically significant difference in <i>α</i>-diversity and microbial richness between patients with PC and those in the control group. However, a decrease in <i>Bacteroides</i>, <i>Neisseria</i>, <i>Porphyromonas</i>, <i>Prevotella</i>, and <i>Actinomyces</i> was observed in patients with PC, while <i>Fusobacterium</i>, <i>Rothia</i>, <i>Streptococcus</i>, <i>Veillonella</i>, and <i>Escherichia-Shigella</i> levels were increased.<h4>Conclusion</h4>This meta-analysis demonstrates an association between PC and changes in gut microbiota composition at both the species and genus levels.<h4>Systematic review registration</h4>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/recorddashboard, identifier CRD42023468159.