Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common form of
cancer. Current treatments including
chemotherapy,
radiotherapy and surgery are all associated with a high risk of complications and are not always successful, highlighting the need to develop new treatment strategies. The ingestion of probiotics,
prebiotics or combinations of both (synbiotics) represents a novel new therapeutic option. Probiotics and
prebiotics act to alter the intestinal microflora by increasing concentrations of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria, and reducing the levels of pathogenic micro-organisms. This strategy has the potential to inhibit the development and progression of
neoplasia via mechanisms including; decreased intestinal
inflammation, enhanced immune function and anti-tumorigenic activity, binding to potential food
carcinogens including toxins found in meat products, and a reduction in bacterial
enzymes which hydrolyse precarcinogenic compounds, such as
beta-glucuronidase. There is substantial experimental evidence to suggest that probiotics and
prebiotics may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of
colon cancer, however to date there have been few conclusive human trials. Probiotics and
prebiotics have the potential to impact significantly on the development, progression and treatment of
colorectal cancer and may have a valuable role in
cancer prevention.