Discovery Of A New Bacteria In Colon Cancer: What It Means For Patients

Colon cancer, better known as colorectal cancer when grouped, is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. As a result, the disease has been a topic of research among many scientists regarding its prevention, detection, and treatment. While genetic mutation, lifestyle choices and environmental factors are the leading factors behind colorectal cancer, surgeons have also found a microbial connection that is closely related to the development of this particular type of cancer.

A New Bacterium Linked To Colorectal Cancer

According to various studies and opinions of oncologists performing colorectal cancer surgery, scientists have found a strong connection between bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) and the rapid growth of cancerous cells in the colon.
F. nucleatum is a common bacteria found in the oral cavity and is associated with diseases like periodontal disease and cavities. However, the high prevalence of this bacterium in the tumour of colorectal cancer tissues has sparked an investigation into how F. nucleatum has survived in the gut and led to the development and growth of colorectal cancers.

How F. nucleatum Promotes Colorectal Cancer

There are several mechanisms through which the new bacterium, F. nucleatum, contributes to the carcinogenesis of colorectal tissues.

• Inflammation: This bacterium causes inflammation in the colon cells and increases their tumour multiplicity capacity. Hence, it leads to the recruitment of tumour-infiltrating immune cells and promotes the progression of colorectal neoplasia.
• Immune suppression: F. nucleatum suppresses the immune response by changing the composition of the immune cells, hindering the ability to detect and destroy the malignant cells and allowing tumour growth.
• Genetic lesions: F. nucleatum is a leading factor behind genetic and epigenetic lesions such as microsatellite instability (MSI), CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) which create an environment for metastasis and chemoresistance for the development of colorectal cancer.

New Treatment Options

The discovery of Fusobacterium nucleatum in the colon cancer cells has brought about significant developments in the new treatment options for this deadly disease, says a reputed oncologist known for performing complicated colorectal cancer surgery.
If this bacterium is targeted, there is hope that patients will become more responsive to treatment. Various clinical trials have been started to find which treatment will induce a successful outcome.

• Antibiotics: Drugs that can target F. nucleatum can be used as an effective treatment option for colorectal cancer before chemotherapy. However, its side effects still need to be researched.
• Immunotherapy: Immune treatment that aims to boost the immune system can be a key treatment option to identify and destroy cancer cells driven by Fusobacterium nucleatum.

Wrapping Up

While a strong relationship has been established between Fusobacterium nucleatum and colorectal cancer, research is still going on about its role in the development and progression of the disease.
The discovery of Fusobacterium nucleatum has also opened new avenues for the treatment of colorectal cancer and given hope to the oncologists performing colorectal cancer surgery and researchers.