A study analyzing over 4,000 cancer metastases revealed significant bacterial presence, affecting treatment responses and highlighting the potential for bacteria-targeted cancer therapies.
Credit: SciTechDaily.com
Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute have compiled a detailed catalog of bacteria living in cancer metastases. Having analyzed over 4000 tumors, they shed light on the diversity of these co-inhabitants and how they might interact with cancer cells and their surroundings. For example, certain bacteria were linked to a worse response to immunotherapy. This study paves the how bacteria help or hinder cancer , and how we can use this for patients’ advantage.
In tissue from more than 4,000 metastases of 26 types of cancer, the researchers analyzed the code of thepresent. From that genetic material you can see not only which human cells are there, but also which bacteria — because these also have DNA. For this purpose, they used clinical information and DNA data generated by Hartwig Medical Foundation. With that unimaginably large mountain of information , they used computer power to figure out which bacteria congregate in which places .
“Surprisingly, it’s not just metastases from colon cancer that contain a lot of bacteria,” says researcher Thomas Battaglia. One might expect that because most of our bacteria reside in the colon, from where they could possibly travel along during metastasis to elsewhere in the body. “Also, which bacteria are present in a metastasis is strongly related to the location in the body, the conditions there, and the cancer type.”They also discovered a link between bacteria and therapy efficacy.
“Our work opens doors for exploring new forms of treatments, for example against bacteria that might help the tumor,” co-author Iris Mimpen says. “It helps us understand how the complex environment of tumors works, an environment in which all kinds of cells — including bacteria — live together and influence each other.”DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.03.021
Cancer Metastases Bacteria Treatment Therapy
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