An overview of probiotics and their role in cancer management

Probiotics are alive microorganisms which have useful effects on health of host by balancing its intestinal micro flora. Nowadays, probiotics are known as a factor for prevention of infectious diseases and cancer. Anti cancer properties of probiotics exert with the detoxification of materials that cause genetic damages. The present study aimed to systematically review on studies in checking positive effects of probiotics on health and their association with cancer. Related articles were searched in English at ACM, IEEE, Springer, Science Direct, Google Scholar, clinical trials and systematic review literatures that have assessed effects of probiotics at prevention and treatment of cancer, enrolled in this study. There was a wide variation among studies in imaging parameters, type of used probiotics, host type and test conditions. The results implied that probiotic bacteria and yeasts can eliminate toxicity of carcinogens and induce cancer cell death in vitro. In addition, consumption of probiotics caused reduced cancer risk, stimulation of immune system and struggle to carcinogens. Despite acceptable evidence about their anti-cancer properties, studies in humans are still limited. Therefore, there is a need to plan for detailed clinical studies on human in such a way obtained information can be used to treat.