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In 2011, investigators reported that Fusobacteria often were found in colon cancer tissue (NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 1 2011 and Genome Res 2012; 22:292). Although the bacteria might just be innocent bystanders, they also could be causal agents for colon cancer, as Helicobacter pylori can be for gastric carcinoma.
In a new multicenter study, investigators pooled biosamples from more than 500 cases of colorectal cancer and confirmed that fusobacterial DNA is found in nearly 50% of primary tumors. In addition, they discovered that (1) fusobacterial DNA and proteins are found primarily in malignant cells, rather than in nearby nonmalignant cells; (2) the bacteria actually invade malignant cells (as shown by electron microscopy); (3) the same bacterial…