"Discovery of Aggressive Bacteria in Half of Colon Cancer Cases"

A study published in Nature found that a type of bacteria commonly found in dental plaque, Fusobacterium nucleatum, was present in 50% of colorectal tumors and may shield tumor cells from cancer-fighting drugs. This discovery could lead to new treatments and screening methods for colorectal cancer, which is on the rise, particularly among younger people. The bacteria's stealthy subspecies was found to worsen prognosis and may even cause cancer to form. The findings could lead to targeted therapies, including antibiotics and potential genetic modification of the bacteria to carry cancer-fighting drugs directly into tumors.