Colorectal cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide, and Singapore is no exception. According to the Singapore Cancer Registry 2021, it is the top killer cancer in the country. There were over 1,300 cases diagnosed each year on average between 2017 and 2021 for men. For women, it is the second most common cancer with an average of over 1,000 new cases each year between 2017 and 2021.
Early detection and understanding the risk factors can significantly improve treatment outcomes, which is why the latest findings from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center are important for the medical community and public alike.
Unveiling The Link: Fusobacterium Nucleatum (Fna C2) And Tumour Growth
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have recently uncovered a connection between a subtype of bacteria, commonly found in the mouth, and the growth of colorectal cancer tumours. The specific subtype, identified as Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fna C2), resides commonly in the mouth and has been found to migrate to the colon where it significantly influences tumour development. This study, published in the journal Nature and funded by several esteemed institutions including the National Institutes of Health, unveils insights that could transform screening and treatment for colorectal cancer.
The study involved analysing colorectal tumours from 200 patients and found that the Fna C2 subtype of Fusobacterium nucleatum was consistently elevated in about 50% of the tumour tissues compared to healthy tissues. This bacterium was also present in higher quantities in the stool samples of patients with colorectal cancer than in those from healthy individuals, suggesting its strong association with cancer progression.
Susan Bullman, PhD, a cancer microbiome researcher at Fred Hutch, emphasised the poor survival rates and prognosis for patients whose tumours contain this bacterium. The discovery that Fna C2 can travel from the mouth to the colon and foster tumour growth underscores the potential for new therapeutic strategies targeting this bacterial subtype.
Furthermore, the study revealed that what was once thought to be a single subtype is actually composed of two distinct lineages, or “clades,” with different genetic traits. This finding, likened by researcher Christopher D. Johnston, PhD, stumbling upon the Rosetta Stone of genetics, marks a significant advancement in understanding how these bacteria interact with their host environments.
Exploring Future Developments: Microbial Cellular Therapies
This study not only sheds light on a novel aspect of colorectal cancer development but researchers also believe that it holds promise for the development of microbial cellular therapies. Such therapies would use modified versions of bacterial strains to deliver treatments directly into tumours, offering a targeted approach that could revolutionise cancer treatment protocols.
Consult A Gastroenterologist In Singapore For Your GastroIntestinal Health Concerns
A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor with expertise in diseases affecting the digestive system (including the esophagus, stomach, small & large intestines, rectum and anus). If you have any concerns about your gastro health, you can contact us to schedule a consultation with our Preferred Doctor, Dr Benjamin Yip (Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, and the Medical Director of Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre in Singapore).
Click here for a comprehensive list of gastroenterologists in Singapore that we have compiled.
Learn More About Colorectal Cancer In Singapore
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.