Gut microbiome‐derived metabolites show promise in cancer research and therapy

Abstract The gut microbiome plays a critical role in regulating the host health and disease. Metagenomics has enhanced the understanding of microbial metabolic potential through direct analysis of microbial genomes in complex environmental specimens. Microbiome‐derived metabolites are key biochemical mediators in host–microbe crosstalk and have emerged as a focal point in host physiology research. They are vital for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and physiological functions and are closely associated with disease pathogenesis, particularly tumorigenesis. These metabolites, as comprehensive indicators of microbial functional status, have been utilized in oncological clinical practice for diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and therapeutic monitoring. Here, we summarize the composition and influencing factors of gut microbiome‐derived metabolites, their roles in physiological and pathological processes—with a particular focus on their association with tumorigenesis—and discuss their potential applications as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and monitoring, as well as their therapeutic implications. This study aims to elucidate the role of gut microbiome‐derived metabolites in oncogenesis and to highlight key challenges and unresolved issues within this field.