Unraveling the Role of Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer: A Global Perspectives and Biomarkers as Early Screening Tool for Colorectal Cancer.

Journal: Studies in health technology and informatics
Published Date: Aug 7, 2025

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC), the second deadliest cancer globally, is closely tied to gut microbiota, opening doors for early detection and treatment. This review of 45 studies (2018-2024) highlights microbial biomarkers like Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides fragilis, and Parvimonas micra, with strong diagnostic accuracy (AUC >80%) across populations. Techniques like 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, and shotgun sequencing revealed these links. Gut-based diagnostics offer a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative to colonoscopy and FIT for spotting early CRC and precancerous lesions. Yet, regional microbial differences and inconsistent methods-sample processing and sequencing-hinder comparability. Standardizing approaches and exploring fungi and viruses are key to unlocking microbiota's full potential in CRC prevention, diagnosis, and therapy.

Authors

  • Umashankar Upadhyay
    Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
  • Eshita Dhar
    Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
  • Sherali Bomrah
    Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, No. 291, Zhongzheng Rd, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, 235, Taiwan.
  • Shabbir Syed-Abdul
    Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan;; International Center for Health Information Technology (ICHIT), Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Keywords

External Resources

Popular Topics
Recent Journals