Biophysics Authors Review the Role of SCFAs in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are microbial metabolites in the gut, which affect the metabolism of both normal and cancer cells, and may play a role in cancer prevention and treatment. Research supports the role of SCFAs in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of certain chemotherapeutic agents; data also indicate that SCFAs may mitigate the therapeutic efficacy of other chemotherapeutic agents.

In their review article, “The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Cancer Prevention and Cancer Treatment,” published in Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, authors Balaraman Kalyanaraman, PhD, professor of biophysics and the Harry R. & Angeline E. Quadracci Professor in Parkinson’s Research; Gang Cheng, PhD, assistant professor of biophysics; and Micael Hardy, PhD, of Aix-Marseille Université, France, discuss the mechanisms and applications of SCFAs in preventing and mitigating cancer metastasis. Further, the authors emphasize the need for further research into the role of SCFAs in the context of cancer health disparities.