A study recently published in the journal of European Urology Oncology has found a link between microbiomes in the urine and the development of several forms of cancer, especially advanced prostate cancer. The findings of this study suggest that five different types of bacteria could indicate whether cancer will spread rapidly. This knowledge could be used to make more informed treatment decisions. In addition, the researchers believe that the results of this study could be built upon to develop new tests and more effective treatment methods.
The Relationship between Pathogens and Cancer
Broadly speaking, the term pathogen refers to any organism capable of causing disease. Researchers have been aware of the link between pathogens and the development of cancer for several years. For instance, past research has shown a correlation between Heliobacter pylori and stomach cancer. HPV infections are estimated to be the cause of over 90 percent of anal and cervical cancers, along with other types of malignancies.
Many researchers in this field of oncology have focused on finding biomarkers for cancers caused by pathogens. Biomarkers and interventions are expected to help increase survival rates as well as lessen the chances of developing cancers. The European Urology Oncology study researchers believe they have uncovered valuable new biomarkers that could help improve outcomes for those diagnosed with, and at risk for, pathogen-related cancers.
Methodology of the European Urology Oncology Study
This study was conducted by a team of researchers from three institutions: Norwich Medical School, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and the Quadram Institute. They identified five types (also known as genera) of bacteria with a link to aggressive prostate cancer: Anaerococcus, Peptoniphilus, Porphyromonas, Fenollaria, and Fusobacterium. The researchers believe that they identified four completely new species of bacteria, and that three of them are correlated with the genera associated with aggressive prostate cancer.
Prostate tissue and urine samples from over 600 men with and without prostate cancer were evaluated. Any instance of the five identified anaerobic bacteria (those that can grow without oxygen) was associated with cancer progressing more rapidly toward an aggressive form of the disease. The men who showed one or more of these bacteria were almost three times more likely to have their early-stage cancers progress to advanced disease, compared to those with none of the bacteria present in their prostate or urine.
Also, the researchers may have found mechanisms related to how these bacteria are linked to cancer. Within these findings, the researchers may have discovered effects on the metabolism of host cells in cancer patients.
Where Is Further Research Needed?
While the findings of these studies and potential applications are exciting, the researchers have acknowledged that their research is still in its early stages. The findings have also raised many novel questions that will need to be addressed. Additionally, even if future studies confirm the link between these types of bacteria and prostate cancer, scientists do not yet understand if there is a causal relationship between them.
Some of the key points that need to be investigated further include:
- How people acquire these bacteria
- Whether these bacteria are direct causes of cancer
- Whether a poor immune system response facilitates the growth of these bacteria
How Could This Study Lead to Tests and Better Treatments?
The researchers believe that the first application of this research could go toward developing a new diagnostic test, which could help doctors more easily identify aggressive prostate cancer before it begins developing. According to study co-author Daniel Brewer, a quick and easy test could be produced and used to detect these bacteria, which could, in turn, allow doctors to make better treatment decisions.
One of the biggest challenges for doctors treating prostate cancer is determining whether they need to start treatment or whether it makes more sense to monitor the cancer and wait before beginning treatment. A new test that allows doctors to target aggressive cancers and avoid unnecessary treatment for others could potentially make prostate cancer treatment much more effective.
In addition, researchers want to determine whether these bacteria are a direct cause of prostate cancer. They believe that microbes are likely involved in either triggering the development of cancer or accelerating the growth of tumors. While this idea remains speculative right now, future research into potential causal mechanisms could lead to new treatment advancements.
If further research does demonstrate that these newly discovered bacteria cause prostate cancer, researchers believe that the implications will be massive. The finding of a bacterial cause of prostate cancer could transform the treatment of the disease. According to Hayley Luxton of Prostate Cancer UK in an interview with the Guardian, such a finding could allow oncologists to prevent the occurrence of prostate cancer altogether.