The association between Fusobacterium nucleatum and cancer colorectal: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The etiological factors of colorectal cancer (CRC) are not precisely known, although genetic and environmental factors have been implicated. A possible association with Fusobacterium nucleatum may provide opportunities for an early diagnosis.

Objective: To review studies that address the association between F. nucleatum and CRC.

Methods: The MEDLINE PubMed database was searched using the terms «colorectal cancer» and "Fusobacterium nucleatum", retrieving publications published up to January 1 2020. Stata software was used for a meta-analysis.

Results: The systematic review included 57 articles. Meta-analysis results indicated a more frequent presence of F. nucleatum in CRC tumour tissue samples in comparison to control samples of healthy tissue, with an odds ratio of 4.558 (95% CI: 3.312-6.272), and in comparison, to control samples of colorectal adenomas, with an odds ratio of 3.244 (95 % CI: 2.359-4.462).

Conclusion: There is a more frequent resence of F. nucleatum in the CRC. However, further studies are needed to verify this relationship.

Keywords: Chronic inflammation; Colorectal cancer; Cáncer colorrectal; Disbiosis; Dysbiosis; Fusobacterium nucleatum; Inflamación crónica; Microbiota.