01/02/2026
Gut Microbes Steer Cancer Growth and Immunity via Asparagine Metabolism
New findings point to a link between the gut microbiome and how cancer grows and how the immune system fights it. Bacteria in the gut can influence tumor behavior by how they process asparagine, an amino acid that many cancer cells rely on. By altering asparagine metabolism, gut microbes may tip the balance between tumor growth and immune attack. That connection opens possibilities for therapies that target gut microbes or diet to modulate asparagine levels, offering a potential complement to traditional cancer treatments. More research will determine how to translate this into practical strategies for patients.