Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
07:58
Cell-Free DNA Integrity Analysis in Urine Samples
Published on: January 5, 2017
Microbiome-Driven Carcinogenesis and Circulating Microbial Signals in Genitourinary Cancers
Atsunari Kawashima1, Kentaro Jingushi2, Takuro Saito3
1Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Osaka, Osaka, Japan.
Cancer Science
|June 23, 2026
Summary
The gut microbiome influences genitourinary cancers like urothelial carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma. Circulating microbial signals in extracellular vesicles may predict immunotherapy response.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- The microbiome's role in cancer is established in some cancers but less defined in genitourinary (GU) cancers.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment, with microbiome influencing response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the influence of microbiome-related pathways on urothelial carcinoma (UC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
- To explore the connection between gut microbial environments, carcinogenesis, and ICI outcomes in GU cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies using N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine mouse models for urothelial carcinogenesis.
- Analysis of emerging clinical data on circulating extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated bacterial DNA in UC and RCC patients.
Main Results:
- Preclinical models demonstrate gut microbiota can causally affect urothelial carcinogenesis via metabolism and inflammation.
- Circulating EV-associated bacterial DNA correlates with tumor immune phenotypes and ICI response in UC and RCC.
Conclusions:
- Microbiome-related signals link gut ecology, systemic immunity, tumor microenvironment, and treatment response in GU cancers.
- Circulating EV-associated bacterial DNA is a promising, albeit exploratory, biomarker platform for GU cancers and immunotherapy.
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