Microbiota Biomarkers for Lung Cancer

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oncology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality.
• Microorganisms are increasingly implicated in lung tumorigenesis.
• Early detection of NSCLC is crucial for reducing mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential of the lung microbiome as biomarkers for early NSCLC detection.
• To identify specific bacterial genera associated with NSCLC in tissues and sputum.
• To assess the diagnostic and classification value of sputum-based microbiome biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Droplet digital PCR was used to analyze 25 NSCLC-associated bacterial genera.
• Samples included lung tumor tissues, paired noncancerous tissues, and sputum from NSCLC patients and cancer-free controls.
• Biomarker panels were developed and validated in independent cohorts.

Main Results:

• Four bacterial genera showed altered abundance in lung tumors, and five in sputum of NSCLC patients.
• A sputum biomarker panel (Acidovorax and Veillonella) diagnosed lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with 80% sensitivity and 89% specificity.
• Capnocytophaga identified lung adenocarcinoma (AC) with 72% sensitivity and 85% specificity.
• Acidovorax distinguished between SCC and AC with 63% sensitivity and 96% specificity.

Conclusions:

• The sputum microbiome may serve as a noninvasive source for early NSCLC detection biomarkers.
• Microbiome-based biomarkers can aid in classifying major NSCLC subtypes.
• Further validation supports the diagnostic potential of sputum microbiome analysis for NSCLC.