GUT microbiota dysbiosis may shape colorectal cancer risk, with microbial signatures emerging as non-invasive screening biomarkers.
Gut Microbiota and Colorectal Cancer
A review of the evolving evidence positions the gut microbiota as a meaningful factor in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. The authors frame the gastrointestinal tract as a major host environment interface, where microbial communities support barrier integrity, energy extraction from diet, xenobiotic metabolism, and immune modulation. When this ecosystem shifts toward microbial dysbiosis, the balance of beneficial functions may be disrupted in ways that favor carcinogenesis.
The review also reiterates the global burden of CRC and the observation that genetic predisposition accounts for a minority of cases, with diet and other lifestyle factors contributing substantially. Against this backdrop, the authors argue that gut microbiota changes deserve attention as an emerging risk factor alongside established determinants.
Microbial Dysbiosis as a Screening Opportunity
Current CRC screening tools, including colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), are effective but can be limited by accessibility and patient compliance. The authors highlight growing interest in using microbiome analysis to identify microbial signatures that could support non-invasive detection. Elevated levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum are discussed as one example of a CRC associated signal, alongside mention of other taxa linked to CRC through virulence factors or pathogenic microbial metabolites.
Rather than proposing a single standalone assay, the review suggests that integrating microbiome derived biomarkers with existing screening pathways could improve early detection, with potential relevance for underserved populations where screening gaps persist.
Multi-Omics Insights and Implementation Challenges
Advances in multi-omics approaches are expanding mechanistic insight into how dysbiosis may contribute to CRC progression, including pathways related to microbial metabolites, epithelial barrier disruption, and host immune responses. These tools may also inform targeted therapies and more personalized prevention strategies, according to the authors.
The review emphasizes, however, that standardization remains a central hurdle. Differences in sampling, data processing, and interpretation can complicate comparisons across studies and limit clinical translation. The authors conclude that addressing these implementation barriers is essential before microbiome-based diagnostics or interventions can be adopted routinely in CRC care.
Reference: Badero OJ et al. Gut Microbiota and Colorectal Cancer: Is Microbial Dysbiosis in Carcinogenesis an Emerging Risk Factor? Cureus. 2026;18(1):e102283. doi:10.7759/cureus.102283.
