This study paves the way to a better understanding of how bacteria help or hinder cancer , and how we can use this for patients' advantage.
In tissue from more than 4,000 metastases of 26 types of cancer, the researchers analyzed the code of the DNA present. From that genetic material you can see not only which human cells are there, but also which bacteria -- because these also have DNA. For this purpose they used clinical information and DNA data generated by Hartwig Medical Foundation.With that unimaginably large mountain of information , they used computer power to figure out which bacteria congregate in which places.
"Our work opens doors for exploring new forms of treatments, for example against bacteria that might help the tumor," co-author Iris Mimpen says."It helps us understand how the complex environment of tumors works, an environment in which all kinds of cells -- including bacteria -- live together and influence each other."Thomas W. Battaglia, Iris L. Mimpen, Joleen J.H. Traets, Arne van Hoeck, Laurien J. Zeverijn, Birgit S. Geurts, Gijs F.