Could Microbiome Be the Common Co-Denominator between Type 2 Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer?

Abstract

Similar microorganisms, via similar mechanisms, play a role in the development of both pancreatic cancer (PC) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Since the new onset of T2D is potentially one of the earliest signs of PC, it is highly plausible that a common denominator might be responsible for both, as the growth of the cancer will take a longer time to manifest compared to the insulin resistance. Although a variety of host-dependent factors and susceptibility play a role, and the mechanisms connecting the two diseases remain poorly understood, future well-designed trials should hypothesize whether a microbial intervention (modification and/or transplantation) results in a lower incidence and the better treatment of both diseases since the T2D–PC–gut microbiome interconnection seems scientifically logical.