Physical activity is recognized for its role in cancer prevention and in inhibiting the growth of existing tumors. It’s also linked to alterations in gut microbiota. Recent research illustrates how these alterations can empower exercise in the battle against cancer.

Marlies Meisel from the University of Pittsburgh and her team administered an aggressive form of melanoma to two groups of mice. One group followed a four-week exercise program, while the other remained inactive.

As anticipated, the active mice showed smaller tumors and better survival rates. However, in mice treated with antibiotics, exercise provided no benefits to those that were completely sterile. The findings revealed a significant role of microorganisms, with the beneficial molecules known as metabolites playing a crucial part.

Given that the microbiome generates thousands of metabolites, the researchers employed machine learning to analyze potential molecules, ultimately pinpointing a particular bacterial metabolite that surged with exercise. This metabolite enhances the effectiveness of CD8 T cells within the immune system, making it vital in the fight against cancer.

Furthermore, the team studied 19 individuals with advanced melanoma, discovering that those with higher levels of this metabolite exhibited longer survival rates compared to those with lower levels.

“This study underscores the significance of evaluating the metabolites produced by bacteria, rather than merely identifying the bacteria involved,” Meisel emphasizes.

Ken Lau, who studies the influence of the intestinal microenvironment on conditions like colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, shares excitement for this type of research, as it offers insights into how to leverage specific molecular pathways to enhance the immune response. However, he cautions that further research is necessary. “What occurs when a patient stops exercising? Will the effects diminish or persist in some manner? There is still much to learn,” he states.

Meisel and her team are exploring whether the exercise-induced alterations in gut microbiota may influence other health conditions.