Fusobacterium nucleatum as a biomarker in colorectal cancer
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62741/ahrj.v3i2.241Keywords:
colorectal cancer, fusobacterium nucleatum, biomarkers, chemoresistanceAbstract
Introduction: Colorectal cancer is often associated with ectopic colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by the oral commensal bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum. This microorganism uses virulence factors to stimulate cell growth and facilitate selective colonization, and its early, noninvasive detection is critical for patient survival.
Objectives: This article aims to summarize the pathogenic mechanisms of F. nucleatum, provide a detailed assessment of its role in treatment resistance, and discuss new molecular diagnostic technologies for personalized therapy.
Methodology: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, encompassing English articles published between January 2021 and May 2026. Initially, 130 articles were identified. Following the exclusion of 105 ineligible records and manual addition via cross-referencing, 38 studies were included.
Results: The combination of fecal immunochemical tests with risk assessment algorithms and other tumor markers improves overall diagnostic accuracy. A high abundance of the bacterium in carcinoma is associated with a poorer prognosis, right-sided colon location, deoxyribonucleic acid repair deficiencies, and high-methylation phenotypes. The microorganism promotes an immunosuppressive microenvironment and induces resistance to first-line treatments (fluorouracil and combination chemotherapy), resulting in drug degradation and activation of anti-apoptotic pathways.
Conclusion: The bacterium acts simultaneously as a key diagnostic biomarker and an inhibitor of therapeutic efficacy, necessitating the use of highly sensitive molecular diagnostic methods. Strategies aimed at eliminating this microorganism, using specific antimicrobials or prebiotics, represent a promising approach to overcoming drug resistance.
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