Microbiome implications in carcinogenesis initiation and promotion.

Lately, the microbiome has received increasing attention, being a research theme frequently addressed in multiple studies. Through the new techniques and establishment of novel protocols, especially in the field of molecular biology, together with the results from in vitro, in vivo preclinical and clinical studies carried out on an impressive number of patients with various pathologies, scientists have established ample associations between the microbiome composition and certain cancers or the treatment response. In some types of cancer, the role of microorganisms has been incriminated, which by their presence can activate certain signaling pathways or produce some metabolites that ultimately affect the cellular functioning. For some microorganisms such as Fusobacterium nucleatum or toxigenic Bacteroides fragilis in colorectal cancer, the possible mechanisms of action have been already described. Despite this fact, numerous studies are still needed in order to determine whether bacterial presence triggers the neoplastic process or the gut microbial abundance in affected patients is the result of other changes taking place. The identification of specific microorganisms in people from high-risk groups, those with early stage or advanced/metastatic cancer or the ones with inadequate response to treatment, could represent the beginning of a novel approach in the field of cancer prevention, diagnosis and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]