Polymorphic microbes: a new emerging hallmark of cancer

Mark P Lythgoe; Benjamin H Mullish; Adam E Frampton; Jonathan Krell

doi:10.1016/j.tim.2022.08.004

Polymorphic microbes: a new emerging hallmark of cancer

Trends Microbiol. 2022 Dec;30(12):1131-1134. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.08.004. Epub 2022 Sep 1.

Authors

Mark P Lythgoe¹, Benjamin H Mullish², Adam E Frampton³, Jonathan Krell⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK. Electronic address: m.lythgoe@imperial.ac.uk.
² Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK.
³ Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
⁴ Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.

PMID: 36058787
DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.08.004

Abstract

Recognition of the microbiome (and 'polymorphic microbes' within them) as a new emerging hallmark of cancer reflects a wide body of rapidly evolving research. Microbes may be directly carcinogenic, impact host immune responses to promote malignancy, and may be key effectors in determining the efficacy of anticancer therapy. Manipulation of the microbiome is showing promise as an opportunity to influence cancer outcomes.

Keywords: cancer hallmarks; faecal microbiota transplantation; gut microbiome; intratumoural microbiome; live biotherapeutic; polymorphic microbes.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
Humans
Microbiota*
Neoplasms*

Grants and funding

CL-2019-21-002/DH_/Department of Health/United Kingdom