CHEMOTHERAPY AND GUT MICROFLORA: A LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE EFFECTS IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA TREATMENT

Abstract

In this review, we looked at studies from 2018 to 2024 to understand how chemotherapy affects the gut microbiome in MM patients. We found that certain drugs, like melphalan and bortezomib, can significantly change the gut microbiome, making patients more likely to get infections or experience side effects. We also explored how dysbiosis can impact treatment outcomes and the cancer environment. Based on the articles we studied and discussed ways to prevent or fix these problems. For example, probiotics, special diets, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) show promise in restoring a healthy gut microbiome and improving treatment results. This review highlights the importance of considering the gut microbiome in MM treatment and suggests that personalized approaches could help patients feel better and respond better to therapy. By understanding the connection between chemotherapy and the gut microbiome, we can work toward better care for MM patients