The Role of Probiotics in Cancer Treatment: Emphasis on their In Vivo and In Vitro Anti-metastatic Effects

Probiotics are defined as live bacteria and yeasts that exert beneficial effects for health. Among their various effects, anti-cancer properties have been highlighted in recent years. Such effects include suppression of the growth of microbiota implicated in the production of mutagens and carcinogens, alteration in carcinogen metabolism and protection of DNA from oxidative damage as well as regulation of immune system. We performed a computerized search of the MEDLINE/PUBMED databases with key words: cancer, probiotics, lactobacilli, metastasis and invasion. Cell line studies as well as animal models and human studies have shown the therapeutic effects of probiotics in reduction of invasion and metastasis in cancer cells. These results support the beneficial effects of probiotics both in vitro and in vivo. However, pre-clinical or clinical studies are not enough to decide about their application.