Prospective and cross-sectional associations of the rectal tissue microbiome with colorectal adenoma recurrence: The Polyp Prevention Trial

Colorectal adenomas are established precursors to colorectal cancer (CRC), the fourth leading cause of cancer death globally. The gut microbiome is plausibly associated with CRC risk; however, previous studies mostly investigated this association cross-sectionally. We investigated the cross-sectional and prospective associations of the rectal tissue microbiome with adenoma recurrence in the Polyp Prevention Trial (PPT). Rectal tissue microbiome profiles appeared to be inversely associated with prevalent adenomas, with little evidence supporting a prospective association. To elucidate associations of the microbiome with CRC risk, additional prospective studies with serial fecal and tissue samples are critically needed.