Colorectal cancer and gut microbiota studies in China

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor worldwide. The incidence and mortality rates of CRC have been increasing in China, possibly due to economic development, lifestyle, and dietary changes. Evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays an essential role in the tumorigenesis of CRC. Gut dysbiosis, specific pathogenic microbes, metabolites, virulence factors, and microbial carcinogenic mechanisms contribute to the initiation and progression of CRC. Gut microbiota biomarkers have potential translational applications in CRC screening and early diagnosis. Gut microbiota-related interventions could improve anti-tumor therapy’s efficacy and severe intestinal toxic effects. Chinese researchers have made many achievements in the relationship between gut microbiota and CRC, although some challenges remain. This review summarizes the current evidence from China on the role of gut microbiota in CRC, mainly including the gut microbiota characteristics, especially Fusobacterium nucleatum and Parvimonas micra, which have been identified to be enriched in CRC patients; microbial pathogens such as F. nucleatum and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, and P. micra, which Chinese scientists have extensively studied; diagnostic biomarkers especially F. nucleatum; therapeutic effects, including microecological agents represented by certain Lactobacillus strains, fecal microbiota transplantation, and traditional Chinese medicines such as Berberine and Curcumin. More efforts should be focused on exploring the underlying mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis of CRC and providing novel gut microbiota-related therapeutic and preventive strategies.