Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Globally, around 15–20% of cancers are linked to microbial infections, involving viruses, bacteria, and fungi, each with distinct pathogenic features. Advanced multi-omics technologies have confirmed tumor-specific microbial communities within tumor tissues. This review categorizes microbes by their action mechanisms in cancer biology: one group (e.g., Helicobacter pylori , HPV, Aspergillus species) directly induces tumorigenesis via DNA damage, repairing pathway disruption, oncoprotein expression, and carcinogenic metabolite production; the other group (e.g., Fusobacterium nucleatum , HIV, Candida albicans ) modulates tumor progression by regulating the tumor microenvironment, enhancing tumor cell chemoresistance, or suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, this review also explores clinical translation potential, highlights research challenges, and proposes future directions to support precision oncology advancement.
Source: Frontiers in Oncology
Authors: Hongzhou Cai, Shaozhe Yang, Ruizi Wang, Ruixin Li, Yihan Liu, Ruzhou Chen, Yun Hu, Ziwei Li, Jinzhou Zheng, Xuan Sun, Guoren Zhou
Institutions: Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing Medical University
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7123364175