Intestinal dysbiosis and colorectal cancer.
10.1097/CM9.0000000000003617
- Author:
Ziran KANG
1
;
Shanshan JIANG
2
;
Jing-Yuan FANG
1
;
Huimin CHEN
2
Author Information
1. Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, China.
2. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, China.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Bacteria;
Colorectal cancer;
Dysbiosis;
Fungus;
Gut microbiota;
Metabolites;
Viruses
- MeSH:
Humans;
Dysbiosis/microbiology*;
Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism*;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology*;
Animals
- From:
Chinese Medical Journal
2025;138(11):1266-1287
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Emerging research highlights the crucial role of the gut microbiota, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their metabolites, in the pathogenesis of CRC. Dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in microbial composition, contributes to tumorigenesis through immune modulation, metabolic reprogramming, and genotoxicity. Specific bacterial species, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis , along with fungal agents like Candida species, have been implicated in CRC progression. Moreover, viral factors, including Epstein-Barr virus and human cytomegalovirus, are increasingly recognized for their roles in promoting inflammation and immune evasion. This review synthesizes the latest evidence on host-microbiome interactions in CRC, emphasizing microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, which may act as both risk factors and therapeutic agents. We further discuss the latest advances in microbiota-targeted clinical applications, including biomarker-assisted diagnosis, next-generation probiotics, and microbiome-based interventions. A deeper understanding of the role of gut microbiome in CRC pathogenesis could pave the way for diagnostic, preventive, and personalized therapeutic strategies.
