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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
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Evaluating Cell Death Using Cell-Free Supernatant of Probiotics in Three-Dimensional Spheroid Cultures of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Published on: June 13, 2020
The Phylum Fusobacteriota Is Associated with Colorectal Cancer-Specific Mortality: Results from the Translational
Claire E Thomas1, Nicole C Loroña2, Scott D LaBrie1
1Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington.
Summary
The presence of Fusobacteriota bacteria in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors is linked to a higher risk of CRC-specific mortality. This finding may help explain disparities in CRC outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- The tumor microbiome plays a role in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression.
- The specific impact of the microbiome on CRC-specific mortality is not well understood.
- Investigating the tumor microbiome may reveal insights into CRC outcome disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between the presence of specific bacteria in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors and CRC-specific mortality.
- To explore potential differences in these associations across diverse populations.
Main Methods:
- The study analyzed 16S rRNA gene sequences from tumor samples of 581 CRC patients across different populations.
- Patients were categorized based on CRC-specific mortality (204 deaths vs. 377 survivors).
- Logistic regression was used to assess the association between bacterial presence and mortality, adjusting for key demographic and clinical factors.
Main Results:
- Bacteria from the Fusobacteriota phylum were significantly associated with a 1.71-fold increased likelihood of CRC-specific mortality.
- This association was most pronounced in African American participants, though not statistically significant across populations.
- Specific metabolic pathways, including pyruvate fermentation and peptidoglycan biosynthesis, were linked to increased odds of CRC death.
Conclusions:
- Fusobacteriota is significantly associated with colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific mortality.
- Observed differences in Fusobacteriota association across populations warrant further investigation.
- The tumor microbiome represents a potential target for understanding and addressing CRC outcome disparities.
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