Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41254344›Full record

SynthesisProstate cancer and prostatic diseases2026

The role of the human microbiome in prostate cancer: a systematic review from diagnosis to treatment.

Alfredo Distante, Davide Garino, Clara Cerrato, Javier Perez-Ardavin, Francisco Quereda Flores, Loris Lopetuso, Maria Carmen Mir

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Prostate cancer and prostatic diseases, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Review
  3. Review
  4. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Alfredo Distante *Division of Urology, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France.
Davide Garino *Department of Oncology, Division of Urology, San Luigi Hospital, Orbassano, Italy.
Clara CerratoDepartment of Urology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, SO, UK.
Javier Perez-ArdavinDepartment of Urology, Hospital Universitario Politechnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3840-919X
Francisco Quereda FloresDepartment of Urology, Hospital Universitario Politechnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
Loris LopetusoIBD UNIT, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.
Maria Carmen MirDepartment of Urology, Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, Elmhurst/Queens Hospitals, New York, USA. mirmare@yahoo.es.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1391-1378

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundProstate cancer (PC) heterogeneity and treatment resistance remain major clinical challenges, with emerging evidence implicating the microbiome as a key modulator of disease pathogenesis. While microbial dysbiosis has been linked to PC diagnosis, progression, and therapeutic outcomes, the mechanisms underlying these associations are poorly understood. This review synthesizes current evidence on the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential of the microbiome in PC.

methodsA systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (through April 2024) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42024534899). Controlled and observational studies investigating microbial roles in PC diagnosis (e.g., ISUP grading group), prognosis, or treatment response were included. Data extraction and quality assessment used the QUIPS tool. From 810 screened records, 42 studies met inclusion criteria.

resultsDistinct microbial profiles differentiated PC from controls, with Mycoplasma genitalium and Staphylococcus spp. enriched in prostate tumors (3.1- and 2.7-fold, respectively) and correlated with inflammation (IL-6: r = 0.38, p = 0.002). Urinary microbiota showed diagnostic potential (sensitivity: 58-82%), though sampling methods influenced variability. Prognostically, Betaproteobacteria gut enrichment predicted earlier castration-resistant progression (5.2 months; HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.5), while ADT-induced dysbiosis (e.g., Klebsiella overgrowth) accelerated resistance (2.1-fold risk). Therapies altered microbial ecology: radiotherapy depleted Bacteroides (linked to proctitis; OR 3.1), and immunotherapy responders harbored higher Akkermansia muciniphila. Microbial androgen synthesis and endotoxin production emerged as resistance mechanisms.

conclusionsThe microbiome influences PC detection, aggressiveness, and treatment efficacy through direct (tissue-resident) and indirect (gut-derived) mechanisms. Standardized profiling and microbiome-modulating strategies (e.g., probiotics during ADT) may personalize management. Prospective trials are needed to validate causality and translate microbial biomarkers into clinical practice.

Indexed as

DysbiosisMicrobiotaProstatic NeoplasmsHumansMalePrognosis

Identifiers

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.