International cancer microbiome consortium consensus statement on the role of the human microbiome in carcinogenesis
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Published version
Published version
Date
2019-05-15
Authors
Scott, Alasdair J.
Alexander, James L.
Merrifield, Claire A.
Cunningham, David
Jobin, Christian
Brown, Robert
Alverdy, John
O'Keefe, Stephen J.
Gaskins, H Rex
Teare, Julian
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Published Version
Abstract
Objective In this consensus statement, an international panel of experts deliver their opinions on key questions regarding the contribution of the human microbiome to carcinogenesis.Design International experts in oncology and/or microbiome research were approached by personal communication to form a panel. A structured, iterative, methodology based around a 1-day roundtable discussion was employed to derive expert consensus on key questions in microbiome-oncology research.Results Some 18 experts convened for the roundtable discussion and five key questions were identified regarding: (1) the relevance of dysbiosis/an altered gut microbiome to carcinogenesis; (2) potential mechanisms of microbiota-induced carcinogenesis; (3) conceptual frameworks describing how the human microbiome may drive carcinogenesis; (4) causation versus association; and (5) future directions for research in the field.The panel considered that, despite mechanistic and supporting evidence from animal and human studies, there is currently no direct evidence that the human commensal microbiome is a key determinant in the aetiopathogenesis of cancer. The panel cited the lack of large longitudinal, cohort studies as a principal deciding factor and agreed that this should be a future research priority. However, while acknowledging gaps in the evidence, expert opinion was that the microbiome, alongside environmental factors and an epigenetically/genetically vulnerable host, represents one apex of a tripartite, multidirectional interactome that drives carcinogenesis.Conclusion Data from longitudinal cohort studies are needed to confirm the role of the human microbiome as a key driver in the aetiopathogenesis of cancer.
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Keywords
Cancer , Microbiome , Carcinogenesis
Citation
Scott, A.J., Alexander, J.L., Merrifield, C.A., Cunningham, D., Jobin, C., Brown, R., Alverdy, J., O’Keefe, S.J., Gaskins, R., Teare, J. and Yu, J., 2019. International Cancer Microbiome Consortium consensus statement on the role of the human microbiome in carcinogenesis. Gut, (318556). DOI:10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318556