A comprehensive list of bacteria living in cancer metastases has been put together by researchers. By examining over 4000 tumors, they have revealed the variety of these co-inhabitants and their potential interactions with cancer cells and their surroundings. For instance, certain bacteria have been associated with a less effective response to immunotherapy. This research sets the stage for a deeper comprehension of how bacteria can either assist or impede cancer treatment, and how we can utilize this knowledge to benefit patients.
The researchers discovered over 4000 tumors, providing insights into the variety of microorganisms living within them and their potential interactions with cancer cells and the surrounding environment. For instance, certain bacteria were associated with a less favorable response to immunotherapy. This research sets the stage for a deeper understanding of how bacteria can either support or hinder cancer treatment, and how we can leverage this knowledge for the benefit of patients. The study’s findings are published today in the scientific journal Cell.
There are billions of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts, that reside both on and within our bodies, collectively known as our microbiome. We rely on them, and they rely on us. Bacteria play a role in aiding our digestion, but also have the potential to impact cancer cells and treatment.
Our gut bacteria play a crucial role in our health, including helping our immune system fight against harmful pathogens. Research has shown that these bacteria can even impact the effectiveness of cancer treatments such as immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Bacteria Outside the Gut
In addition to our gut, bacteria are also found in other parts of our body, including tumors. While new research techniques are helping us identify which specific microbes are present in tumors, we still have a lot to learn about how these bacteria get to tumors and what their role is in the disease. This lack of understanding makes it difficult to determine their importance in disease progression.
Recent research conducted by Emile Voest and Lodewyk Wessels, along with their colleagues, focused on analyzing the presence of bacteria in cancer metastases. This is particularly important as many cancer patients eventually succumb to metastases and treatments often target them. The study involved examining tissue from over 4,000 metastases of 26 different types of cancer. The researchers analyzed the DNA code present in the tissue to map out the bacteria present in these tumors.
This study is significant as it sheds light on a relatively unexplored area of research, providing valuable insights that could potentially impact the development of cancer treatments.This data allows researchers to not only identify human cells but also the presence of bacteria due to their DNA. The information was gathered from Hartwig Medical Foundation’s clinical data and DNA data. With an enormous 400 terabytes of information to work with, computer power was utilized to determine the specific bacteria present in different locations within the tissue. This process involved intricate programming due to the minimal amount of bacterial DNA in the tissue samples. Additionally, it was discovered that metastases from colon cancer are not the only sources containing a large amount of bacteria.Researcher Thomas Battaglia suggests that bacteria can potentially travel along with metastasis to different parts of the body, since the majority of bacteria reside in the colon. The type of bacteria present in a metastasis is closely tied to the location in the body, the conditions there, and the type of cancer. In addition, the study found a connection between bacteria and the effectiveness of therapy. For instance, patients with lung cancer and the bacteria Fusobacterium in their metastasis had a poorer response to immunotherapy compared to those without this bacteria.The more diverse the bacterial community, the more active the nearby tumor cells,” stated co-author Iris Mimpen. This research was supported by the AVL Foundation, KWF Dutch Cancer Society, and Oncode Institute. This work provides new opportunities for exploring alternative treatments, such as targeting bacteria that may aid in tumor growth, and helps us gain insight into the complex environment of tumors, where various cells, including bacteria, coexist and interact with each other.
