The administration of probiotics and fermented products containing lactic acid bacteria exert beneficial effects against intestinal and non-intestinal cancers

Abstract

Probiotic microorganisms and fermented foods containing lactic acid bacteria have been growing in popularity due to increasing numbers of studies proving that certain strains present health promoting properties, among them the prevention or treatment in the early stages of some types of cancers. There are many reports about the anticarcinogenic effect ofprobiotic strains and fermented products against intestinal and non intestinal tumors. Different mechanisms of action can be involved in these beneficial effects, being the modulation of the host?s immunity one of the most important properties reported using in vitro assays and also in animal models. However, there are few human trials in which the application of probiotics as biotherapeutics against cancer were tested. These assays are very important before the medical community can accept the addition of probiotic or fermented milks as supplements for cancer patients. This review summarizes some of the relevant research with probiotics and fermented products containing lactic acid bacteria in cancer prevention and / or treatment with emphasis on the possible mechanisms involved. Colon cancer is one of the types of cancer for which there are more researches and will be discussed separately from the non intestinal tumours.