Figure 2.

Mechanisms by which postbiotics enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in cancer care. This figure illustrates several actions of postbiotics: (1) increasing tumor cell cytotoxicity by enhancing caspase activity, thereby promoting apoptosis in cancer cells; (2) immune modulation by reducing proinflammatory cytokines, contributing to a more balanced immune response; (3) controlling tumor proliferation by inducing apoptosis through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS); (4) strengthening barrier function by increasing mucin production and tight junction protein expression, reducing the passage of potential carcinogens into the systemic circulation; and (5) increasing the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy by sensitizing cancer cells to these treatments or by regulating immune responses to enhance antitumor activity. These complex mechanisms highlight the potential of postbiotics as adjuncts in cancer therapies.