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Fusobacteria alterations are associated with colorectal cancer liver metastasis and a poor prognosis

  • 0Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China.
Oncology Letters +

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April 10, 2024

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April 10, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Colorectal cancer patients with liver metastasis show distinct gut microbial differences compared to those without. Fusobacteria enrichment in the gut may predict liver metastasis and indicate a poorer prognosis.

Area Of Science

  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology
  • Oncology

Background

  • Liver metastasis is a primary cause of mortality in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • The gut microbiota influences liver disease progression, offering potential diagnostic and therapeutic avenues.
  • Gut microbial profiles in CRC patients with and without liver metastasis (LM) remain incompletely understood.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate and compare the gut microbial richness and composition in patients with colorectal cancer with and without liver metastasis.
  • To identify potential microbial biomarkers for predicting liver metastasis and prognosis in CRC patients.

Main Methods

  • High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze gut microbiota in fecal samples from discovery and validation cohorts.
  • Primary carcinoma tissue samples were also analyzed in a supplementary cohort.
  • Random forest models and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis were employed to identify biomarkers.

Main Results

  • Intestinal microbiota richness and diversity were higher in the liver metastasis group compared to the no liver metastasis group.
  • Significant differences in species composition were observed between the LM and NLM groups.
  • Phylum Fusobacteria was consistently and significantly enriched in the LM group across discovery cohorts and validated as a potential biomarker for LM and a poor prognostic factor.

Conclusions

  • Colorectal cancer with liver metastasis exhibits distinct gut microbiota characteristics compared to CRC without metastasis.
  • Fusobacteria enrichment serves as a potential biomarker for predicting liver metastasis and poor prognosis in CRC patients.
  • These findings highlight the role of gut microbiota in CRC progression and metastasis.

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