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Updated: Oct 11, 2025

Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts from Mouse Mammary Tumors as Tools for Molecular and Computational Studies
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Published on: July 3, 2025

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Cancer Microbiology

Daniel DiMaio1,2,3,4, Brinda Emu4,5, Andrew L Goodman4,6

  • 1Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.

Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|December 1, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Microbes significantly impact cancer, causing 15% of cases and influencing treatment. The emerging field of cancer microbiology integrates infection control and microbiome research for prevention and therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Microorganisms are implicated in cancer development, accounting for approximately 15% of global cancer cases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Infectious carcinogens possess unique characteristics like transmissibility and mutability, presenting distinct challenges and opportunities for cancer control strategies.
  • Emerging research highlights the role of the human microbiome in modulating cancer formation and influencing the efficacy and toxicity of cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce and define the emerging field of cancer microbiology.
  • To underscore the multifaceted roles of microbes in cancer, from causation to therapeutic potential.
  • To emphasize the need for integrating microbial insights into cancer research, drug development, and public health initiatives.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes current knowledge on the relationship between microbes and cancer.
  • It examines the impact of infectious agents on cancer etiology and progression.
  • It explores the influence of the human microbiome on cancer development and treatment response.

Main Results:

  • Microbial infections are responsible for a significant proportion of cancers worldwide.
  • Microbes can directly cause cancer or indirectly influence its development and progression.
  • Microorganisms offer novel avenues for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, including the use of vaccines and modulation of the microbiome.

Conclusions:

  • The field of cancer microbiology represents a paradigm shift in understanding and combating cancer.
  • Integrating knowledge of microbes and cancer is crucial for advancing prevention, treatment, and public health outcomes.
  • Further research and cross-disciplinary collaboration are essential to fully harness the potential of cancer microbiology.

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