We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Tumor Microbiome Appears to Vary with Cancer Type

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 11 Jun 2020
Bacteria are well-known residents in human tumors, but whether their presence is advantageous to the tumors or to the bacteria themselves has been unclear. More...
Bacteria found within tumors were localized within both cancer cells and immune cells and that the bacterial composition varied according to tumor type.

In what outside experts called the most rigorous and comprehensive survey of bacteria in human tumor samples, scientists have discovered distinct populations of microbes living inside different types of tumors: In other words, breast and brain and pancreatic tumors have their own characteristic microbiomes.

A large international team of scientists working with the Weizmann Institute of Science (Rehovot, Israel) undertook a comprehensive analysis of the tumor microbiome, studying 1,526 tumors and their adjacent normal tissues across seven cancer types, including breast, lung, ovary, pancreas, melanoma, bone, and brain tumors. The team utilized 16S ribosomal gene sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify and quantify bacteria present in 1,010 tumor samples and more than 500 neighboring normal tissue samples.

The samples were collected from patients at nine medical centers, and the scientists focused on 528 bacterial species found in the tumors in their analysis. The team used immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization with 16S rRNA-targeting probes, and other pathology approaches and they showed that the majority of the microbes identified in the tumor samples were intracellular bacteria nestled within tumor and immune cells. This finding was supported by follow-up testing on four freshly collected breast tumor samples.

The investigators reported that each tumor type has a distinct microbiome composition and that breast cancer has a particularly rich and diverse microbiome. The intratumor bacteria are mostly intracellular and are present in both cancer and immune cells. They also noted correlations between intratumor bacteria or their predicted functions with tumor types and subtypes, patients’ smoking status, and the response to immunotherapy. The study was published on May 29, 2020 in the journal Science.

Related Links:
Weizmann Institute of Science


Gold Member
Veterinary Hematology Analyzer
Exigo H400
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Staining Management Software
DakoLink
New
Hand-Held Immunofluorescence Analyzer
WS-Si1500
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.