Cancer has largely been considered a disease of genetic and environmental factors; however, increasing evidence has demonstrated a role for the microbiota (the microorganisms associated with the human body) in shaping systemic and tumor microenvironment immunity and promoting tumor growth and spread. Herein, we discuss both human data from meta’omics analyses and data from mechanistic studies in cell culture and animal models that support that specific bacteria act as potentiators of colonic tumorigenesis, with a focus on Fusobacterium nucleatum.

Citation Format: Wendy S. Garrett. Fusobacterium nucleatum and colon cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2017 Oct 1-4; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2018;6(9 Suppl):Abstract nr IA22.