Tumor Microbial Communities and Thyroid Cancer Development—The Protective Role of Antioxidant Nutrients: Application Strategies and Future Directions

Abstract

Thyroid cancer (TC), the most frequent malignancy of the endocrine system, has recorded an increasing incidence in the last decades. The etiology of TC remains at least partly unknown and, among modifiable risk factors, the gut microbiota and dietary nutrients (vitamins, essential microelements, polyphenols, probiotics) have been recognized to not only influence thyroid function, but exert critical effects on TC development and progression. Recent discoveries on the existence of tumor microbiota also in the TC microenvironment provide further evidence for the essential role of tumor microorganisms in TC etiology and severity, as well as acting as prognostic markers and as a potential target of adjuvant care in the treatment of TC patients. Therefore, in this review, we summarize current knowledge on the relationship of the tumor microbiome with the clinical tumor characteristics and TC progression, also illustrating the molecular mechanisms underlying this association, and how antioxidant nutrients may be used as a novel strategy to both control gut health and reduce the risk for TC. Furthermore, we discuss how new technologies might be exploited for the development of new foods with high nutritional values, antioxidant capability, and even attractiveness to the individual in terms of sensory and emotional features.