SINGAPORE – A new study led by a team of local researchers has found that certain types of gut bacteria are associated with certain precancerous colorectal polyps. Polyps are growths on the lining of the colon that can become cancerous over time if not removed.
This finding raises the possibility of using microbial testing kits to determine whether there are these polyps, especially those that are not easily detected by current screening methods.
We then make certain changes to our diet and our gut microbiome (the ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that reside in our digestive system) to alter the growth patterns of polyps and prevent them from becoming cancerous. It can be prevented.
“Perhaps in the future we will need to know what types of microorganisms we carry and be able to customize a preventive diet to reduce risk based on that.” said Dr. Jonathan Lee, consultant gastroenterologist, lead and corresponding author of the study. Department of Liver Diseases, National University Hospital (NUH).
In general, a high-fiber, lightly processed diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds is known to help the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. .
However, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work, and some people need to reduce their fiber intake or stop eating red meat, while others need to increase their fiber intake. he added.
“Before, the conventional wisdom was that you could manipulate what you eat. Now, if you can manipulate what you eat and your innate microorganisms, you’ll get better results,” he said.
The study was published in Cell Host & Microbe in May 2023.
Dr. Lee began working with other researchers during fellowships at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Broad Institute and Harvard University. He currently serves as a visiting scientist there.
He spoke to The Straits Times ahead of a free talk on research findings and common gut issues at the Fight Cancer, Live Stronger event on January 27. The public forum, hosted by the National University of Singapore Cancer Research Institute, will be held in Singapore. Kampung Admiralty Community Plaza.
Colorectal cancer, which occurs in the colon or rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Singapore, after lung cancer in men and breast cancer in women.
It can arise from two main types of precancerous polyps: adenomatous polyps or serrated polyps. Current screening methods, especially colonoscopies, are highly effective at removing the most common adenomatous polyps, but serrated polyps tend to be often missed during colonoscopies. .
Colonoscopy is the current gold standard for screening for colorectal cancer. During this process, polyps can be detected and removed before they become cancerous.
For the study, researchers studied data from 971 healthy patients undergoing routine colonoscopies at Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States. The researchers looked at information about the patients’ health, diet, medication history, and lifestyle, and analyzed stool samples to determine their bacterial composition.
The researchers subsequently identified 19 bacterial species associated with adenomatous polyps and eight bacterial species associated with serrated polyps.
They also found that diet and medications greatly shape the gut microbiome associated with common precancerous colorectal polyps.