Microbiome in early cancer detection - biomarker potential and limitations

Microbiome analysis in cancer research has experienced a surge in interest comparable to the introduction of microarrays for tumor gene expression profiling 25 years ago. Associative studies investigating the composition of the microbiome in stool, tumor tissue swabs and tumor biopsies of oncology patients have been conducted across most cancer types, and their number continues to grow. Screening approaches based on non-invasive or minimally invasive sampling, including the analysis of stool, saliva, urine, and buccal and rectal swabs, are from a clinical perspective among the most promising, owing in part to simpler logistics and the possibility of repeated sampling. These types of specimens are commonly used in microbiome studies, making the microbiome an attractive target for both screening and diagnostic applications.

This review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding the potential of the microbiome in the early detection of cancer, emphasizing its clinical applicability and limitations in the context of population-based prevention.