Microbiome Analysis in Colorectal Cancer: The Catholic University of Korea, St. Vincent's Hospital Cohort

Changes in the colon's microbiota, a complex mixture of bacteria and other microbes, are contributors to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). When one examines the microbes that are directly associated with the tumor tissue and tumor microenvironment, they may find features of the microbiome that are directly associated with the cancer, and the findings may have prognostic significance. For this study, we analyzed 16S rRNA sequencing data from matching tumor and normal tissue samples of advanced CRC patients and determined if there were potential correlations between microbiome composition and clinical parameters of advanced CRC. Microbial biomarkers may be a valuable prognostic tool in the care of patients with advanced CRC.