A pan-GI cancer analysis identified 15 bacterial genera that predict survival and metastasis risk across six tumor types, potentially informing future risk stratification tools. The microbiota-based risk score correlates with immune responses and immunotherapy effectiveness, offering a complementary approach to current clinical staging systems.
Study Design & Models
- Retrospective analysis of 1,602 tumor samples and 116 adjacent normal tissue samples from public datasets
- Six GI cancer types analyzed for consistent microbial signatures
- Microbiota-based risk scoring system development and validation
- Correlation analysis with immune markers and treatment response patterns
Key Findings
- 15 bacterial genera consistently associated with prognosis across all six GI tumor types
- Granulicella linked to reduced CD8+ T cells and higher metastasis risk
- Dorea associated with robust immune response and lower disease spread risk
- Microbiota-based risk score successfully predicted survival outcomes and metastasis likelihood
- Score correlated with differential immunotherapy responses
Clinical Translation Potential
- Risk stratification tool to complement existing clinical staging systems
- Identification of patients who may benefit from alternative therapeutic strategies
- Potential biomarker for immunotherapy response prediction
- Framework for personalized treatment planning in GI cancers
Limitations
- Retrospective analysis using public datasets limits validation strength
- Biological mechanisms underlying microbiota-tumor relationships require further exploration
- Prospective clinical validation needed before clinical implementation
- Limited to six GI cancer types, broader applicability uncertain
