The Impact of the Gut Microbiome in Young Patients With Colorectal Cancer

In season 2, episode 2 of Targeted Talks, Cathy Eng, MD, the David H. Johnson Chair in Surgical and Medical Oncology; professor of medicine, hematology and oncology; co-director, GI Oncology at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, speaks with Benjamin Weinberg, MD, associate professor of medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, in the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University, about the gut microbiome, and how the presence of certain microbiota impact the onset and intensity of disease as well as the potential response to certain treatments.

In recent years, the increasing number of young adults developing colorectal cancer has been believed to be closely linked with the gut microbiome. Several studies have examined this onset of disease and suggested that diet and obesity may play a role. Still, there is little known about how the gut microbiome may impact average-aged patients and the older patient population.

Other ongoing questions in the space include how to utilize information obtained from gut microbiome research in colorectal cancer to diagnose, treat, and monitor disease.