Following cancer, cells in a particular tissue can no longer
respond to the factors involved in controlling cell survival,
differentiation, proliferation, and death. In recent years, it has been
indicated that alterations in the gut microbiota components, intestinal
epithelium, and host immune system are associated with cancer incidence.
Also, it has been demonstrated that the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
generated by gut microbiota are vitally crucial in cell homeostasis as
they contribute to the modulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs),
resulting effected cell attachment, immune cell immigration, cytokine
production, chemotaxis, and the programmed cell death. Therefore, the
manipulation of SCFA levels in the intestinal tract by alterations in
the microbiota structure can be potentially taken into consideration for
cancer treatment/prevention. In the current study, we will explain the
most recent findings on the detrimental or protective roles of SFCA
(particularly butyrate, propionate, and acetate) in several cancers,
including bladder, colon, breast, stomach, liver, lung, pancreas, and
prostate cancers.