Unveiling the interplay between gut and skin microbiomes and their influence on skin cancer

SUMMARY The interplay between the gut and skin microbiomes and their influence on skin cancer development has garnered significant attention. The gut and skin microbiomes, composed of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, play vital roles in immune modulation, inflammation regulation, and maintaining skin health. Dysbiosis in either microbiome may contribute to inflammatory skin conditions and cancer development through the gut-skin axis. The gut microbiota influences immune responses, skin barrier function, and carcinogenesis via microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids. These compounds impact systemic inflammation, immune cell activity, and response to immunotherapy, particularly in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Emerging evidence links distinct microbial profiles to skin cancer progression, with specific taxa associated with advanced stages. Conversely, certain skin commensals exhibit potential anti-tumor effects. In addition, microbial imbalances correlate with tumorigenesis via inflammatory and metabolic pathways. Advancements in microbiome profiling have further elucidated these associations, offering diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. Potential interventions include probiotic therapies to restore microbial balance and enhance immunotherapy efficacy. However, the intricate dynamics of the gut-skin axis necessitate further investigation into causal mechanisms, microbial metabolite impacts, and personalized therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the dualistic role of the gut and skin microbiomes in skin cancer, emphasizing their diagnostic and therapeutic potential while proposing future research directions to unravel their complexities and clinical implications.