A recent study conducted by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle has found that a specific subgroup of the oral bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum, known as Fna C2, is present in 50% of colon tumors tested. This discovery sheds new light on the role this bacterium plays in accelerating the growth of colon tumors, providing valuable insights into fighting colon cancer.
Colon cancer is a deadly disease that claims the lives of more than 52,000 Americans each year. By studying levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum in colon tumor tissues from 200 patients, researchers have found a correlation between the presence of the Fna C2 subtype and tumor growth. This subtype also appeared more frequently in stool samples from colon cancer patients.
Targeting this specific subgroup of the bacterium could be key in helping those at higher risk for aggressive colorectal cancer. Microbe-based “cellular therapies” could be a promising new frontier in treating colon cancers, by delivering medicines directly to the tumor.
Understanding the specific bacterial lineage associated with colorectal cancer is crucial for developing effective treatment methods. Further research and developments in targeting the Fna C2 subtype of Fusobacterium nucleatum could lead to better outcomes for colon cancer patients. This groundbreaking research opens up new possibilities for fighting this deadly disease and offers hope for those affected by it.
