The Role of Gut Microbiota in Chemotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Toxicity

Abstract

Gastrointestinal toxicity remains a major limitation of systemic chemotherapy. This prospective study investigated the role of gut microbiota composition in chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal symptoms. Stool samples from 150 cancer patients were analyzed before and after treatment. Reduced microbial diversity and depletion of protective bacterial taxa were associated with severe diarrhea and mucositis. Patients with preserved microbiota diversity experienced fewer adverse events. These results highlight the potential of microbiota modulation strategies to mitigate chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal toxicity.