Be on the right side of colon cancer history.

It may be gutsy, but we’re calling that modification of colon microbiomes as part of cancer care is in our near future. The most recent supporting argument comes from Science where a new study demonstrates that Fusobacterium is enriched in colon cancers not only from cecum to ascending (i.e., right-sided) colon but also within mets(!) to the liver. The evidence supporting a role of Fusobacterium in colon carcinogenesis is well-described, but this study makes the novel claim of a preservation of this symbiosis even in the metastatic setting. Which means the bacteria stay along for the ride. The study also shows these bacteria can invasively infect tumor cells or simply associate via biofilms. Finally, the authors demonstrate that administration of metronidazole in mice with Fusobacterium-associated tumors actually reduces tumor growth. Modulation of intestinal microbiota should be relatively low-stakes (and cheap). So if any clinical trialists out there explore this concept, we want in on the ground floor because we have a gut feeling this could be the next buttcoin.