Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 12, 2025
10:12
Characterization and Functional Prediction of Bacteria in Ovarian Tissues
Published on: October 23, 2021
3.0K
The relationship between gastrointestinal cancers and the microbiota
Kaitlyn D LaCourse1, Christopher D Johnston2, Susan Bullman1
1Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
The Lancet. Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|March 20, 2021
Summary
The human microbiota significantly impacts gastrointestinal cancer risk, prognosis, and treatment. Understanding these microbial links can improve cancer detection, prevention, and therapy strategies.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Oncology
- Microbiology and Immunology
Background:
- The role of the human microbiota in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer development and treatment response is frequently overlooked.
- Accurate risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies for GI cancers necessitate understanding host-microbiome interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on the human microbiota's influence on GI cancer risk, prognosis, and treatment efficacy.
- To highlight emerging research on microbial signatures as biomarkers for GI cancers.
- To discuss harnessing microbiome knowledge for GI cancer detection, prevention, and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating the human microbiota and GI cancers.
- Analysis of emerging research on microbial biomarkers for GI cancer.
- Discussion of potential applications of microbiome research in clinical settings.
Main Results:
- The microbiota plays a crucial role in GI cancer progression and influences treatment outcomes.
- Microbial signatures show promise as biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of GI cancers.
- Harnessing microbiome data can lead to novel strategies for GI cancer prevention and therapy.
Conclusions:
- Integrating microbiome research into GI cancer management is essential for improving patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of microbiome-cancer data.
- Future efforts should focus on translating microbiome insights into clinical applications for GI cancer detection, prevention, and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:50What is Monogastric Digestion?
73.8K
The human body contains a monogastric digestive system. In a monogastric digestive system, the stomach only contains one chamber in which it digests food. Several other animal species also have monogastric digestive systems, including pigs, horses, dogs, and birds. This chapter, however, focuses on the human digestive system.
73.8K
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
85.1K
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
85.1K
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
899
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
899
01:30Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test
551
Gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic studies are pivotal in confirming, ruling out, diagnosing, or staging various diseases, including cancers. Following diagnosis, allocating time for discussions with the patient and providing informational resources is crucial. Diagnostic assessments of the GI tract often occur in outpatient settings like endoscopy suites or GI labs. Preparation for these tests may include dietary restrictions, fasting, liquid bowel preparations, laxatives, enemas, and the...
551
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
637
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
637
01:30Other Disorders of Digestive System
1.2K
The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...
1.2K