Research progress in the correlations between intestinal microorganisms and colorectal cancer

Abstract:

A growing number of studies have shown that intestinal microorganisms can influence the development of colorectal cancer. For example, enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium nucleatum have been proved to be associated with advanced colorectal cancer and reduced patient survival. Changes of intestinal flora can lead to the disturbance of intestinal homeostasis, and the changes in the number and species of bacteria can lead to complex pathophysiological processes in the host that promote the development of colorectal cancer. Therefore, researchers need to investigate how intestinal microorganisms damage the intestinal barrier, mediate the substance metabolism, produce inflammatory cytokines, and activate signaling pathways, and how the gut microbial ecological dysfunction accelerate the disease process. Probing into the interactions between intestinal microorganisms and colorectal cancer can contribute to the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis improvement of colorectal cancer. We reviewed the research progress in the mechanisms underlying the interactions between intestinal microorganisms and colorectal cancer and the cutting-edge therapies of colorectal cancer.