Study of Gut Microbiome and Colorectal Tumors

The Gut Microbiota in Conventional and Serrated Precursors of Colorectal Cancer

Gut microbiota were assessed in 540 colonoscopy-screened adults by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of stool samples. Investigators compared gut microbiota diversity, overall composition, and normalized taxon abundance among these groups.

Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease arising from at least two precursors-the conventional adenoma (CA) and the serrated polyp. A relationship between the human gut microbiota and colorectal cancer has been shown; however, its relationship to the different early precursors of colorectal cancer is understudied. This study tested, for the first time, the relationship of the gut microbiota to specific colorectal polyp types.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both men and women who have visited a gastroenterologist or surgeon, aged 18 or older will be included in this study.
• Both men and women residents in the United States, aged 18 or older will be included in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who are pregnant will be excluded from participating in this study
• Subjects on ongoing antibiotic therapy will be excluded from participating in this study.