Recent high impact publications have detailed intratumoral bacteria niches and how their molecular activities and communication networks impact multiple cancer-related functions. E. coli PKS+ has been detected in tumor tissues and linked to the production of secondary metabolites (e.g. colibactin) that promote inflammation and DNA damage, contributing to the initiation and growth of tumors. Other bacterial pathobionts such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, shown to be associated with CRC tumor tissues, may influence the response of tumors to chemotherapy and immunotherapy by metabolizing and inactivating chemotherapeutic drugs.

There is a clear relationship between oncologic drug performance and the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the tumor microenvironment, indicating the targeted removal of the specific pathogens would improve current therapies. Broad spectrum antibiotics do not effectively address the tumor microenvironment and ultimately make the problem worse by driving antimicrobial resistance, exacerbating dysbiosis, and compromising patient immune system and their ability to fight the disease.

In addition to multiple cancers, F. nucleatum has been linked to many other diseases, including adverse pregnancy outcomes, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory tract infections, endometriosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows involvement in the progression of some cancers, including colorectal, pancreatic, esophageal, and breast cancers.