Workshop Title:

The Role of Gut Microbiome in Cancer

Date:

October 25th, 2024 (GMT +11)

Organizer:

Royal North Shore Hospital / University of Sydney

Keywords:

• Gut Microbiome
• Biomarker
• Cancer
• Cancer Prevention
• Lifestyle Medicine

Workshop Chair:

Personal Bio:

Dr. Byeongsang Oh is an Associate Professor at the Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, and a Visiting Professor at the University of Kansas Medical School, USA. He also serves as President of the Medical Tai Chi Qigong Association (iMTQA) in the USA. With extensive research and clinical experience at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Oh is a leading expert in integrative oncology, specializing in evidence-based complementary and lifestyle medicine. His clinical and research focus on lifestyle medicine with a particular emphasis on the microbiome. Currently, he is actively engaged in collaborative integrative oncology research projects with Harvard Medical School and Yale University.

Workshop Committee Members

Associate Professor Byeongsang Oh University of Sydney & Royal North Shore Hospital byeong.oh@sydney.edu.au

Professor Mark Molly University of Sydney

Dr. Sumit Sahni University of Sydney

Workshop Description:

Background:

The human gut microbiome plays a crucial role in both physical and psychological well-being. Emerging research indicates a significant link between gut bacteria and the development, detection, and prevention of cancer. However, the precise mechanisms and the extent to which the gut microbiome influences cancer risk remain areas of active investigation.

Goal/Rationale:

Despite recent breakthroughs suggesting a connection between gut bacteria and chronic diseases, including cancer development, side effects during cancer treatment, and the survival rate of cancer patients—facilitated by the increased efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy—many clinical oncologists hesitate to introduce it into real-world clinical settings due to a lack of knowledge and established clinical practice guidelines. Therefore, this workshop aims to provide up-to-date information to healthcare professionals and the general public. It will discuss clinical applications that have the potential to enhance the survival of cancer patients and prevent cancer.

Scope and Information for Participants:

Invited speakers will present the following research topics and engage in discussions with the audience.

1. Microbial Diversity and Cancer Risk: Studies have shown that a diverse and balanced gut microbiome is associated with a lower risk of certain cancers. Advances in DNA sequencing technologies have allowed for a more in-depth analysis of microbial diversity.

2. Metabolites and Cancer Protection: Researchers have identified specific microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, that demonstrate anti-cancer properties. Understanding the production of these metabolites can provide insights into protective mechanisms.

3. Personalized Approaches: Advances in precision medicine have enabled the exploration of personalized approaches to modulating the gut microbiome. Tailoring interventions based on an individual's unique microbial profile may enhance their effectiveness in cancer prevention.

Venue:

10 Westbourne St, St Leonards NSW 2064, Australia

VISA:

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