Could the Gut Microbiome Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening? (Technology Networks)

A meta-analysis of nearly 6,800 gut microbiome sequencing profiles has identified a consistent microbial signature associated with colorectal cancer, including early-stage disease and some precancerous lesions. In an interview with Technology Networks, Georg Zeller, PhD, professor at Leiden University Medical Center, discusses what the findings could mean for microbiome-based CRC screening—and why the technology is promising but not yet ready to replace established tests. The researchers found that their microbiome-based models can identify cancer-associated microbial patterns across data generated using different sequencing technologies and protocols, and that early-onset CRC showed the same characteristic microbial signature as late-onset disease. Zeller notes, however, that current microbiome classifiers still do not match the diagnostic accuracy of established noninvasive tests such as FIT. He sees greater potential in combining microbiome readouts with FIT or host-targeted tests, while also moving toward simpler, more standardized approaches such as qPCR panels that could improve sensitivity, reduce cost and turnaround time, and make clinical implementation more practical.