Editors' Selections from Relevant Scientific Publications

Transient bacterial infection leads to colon tumorigenesis (art work from Cancer Discovery)New research links the enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic strains of Escherichia coli bacteria responsible for hundreds millions cases diarrheal disease annually heightened cancer risk. Liu et al. have identified a genotoxin produced by murine counterpart these pathogens, Citrobacter rodentium, that can fuel onset cancer. This protein, UshA, inflicted considerable genomic damage on epithelial cells even after transient exposure, C. rodentium led accelerated in cancer-prone mouse model. UshA is also human-infecting E. coli, this mechanism could pose critical link between high prevalence climbing rates sub-Saharan Africa.Liu Y, … Wan F. Discov. 2022 Jan;12(1):236-249.Illustration breast tumor microenvironment (adapted an image Adrián Blanco-Gómez Research)This HTAN Breast PreCancer Atlas study ductal carcinoma situ (DCIS) used multiplex ion beam imaging time flight 37-plex antibody staining panel analyze (TME) 79 patient-matched surgical samples. Risom found four TME states were defined based location function myoepithelium, fibroblasts, immune cells. Critically, disruption myoepithelial was more advanced DCIS patients did not develop invasive cancer, suggesting process be protective against recurrence. improves understanding drivers relapse emphasizes crucial role progression.Risom T, Angelo M. Cell. Jan 20;185(2):299-310.e18.Ductal (by Kauczuk via Wikimedia Commons)This histological, molecular, immunological profiling explored diverse, interconnected landscapes 39 premalignant lesions with situ. Nachmanson multiple microdissected regions phenotype subtype heterogeneity, B- T-lymphocyte spatial analysis, mutational profiling, driver mutations, status. The authors successfully isolated within same sample characterize different histological features infer phylogenetic relationships. provided richness pre-cancer atlas contributed better models outcomes progress risk.Nachmanson D, …Harismendy O. NPJ Cancer. 13;8(1):6.Illustration gene variants cumulative risk figures Michael J. Hall Prevention Research)A pair recent clinical studies nine genes that, when disrupted truncating or missense meaningfully increase researchers Association Consortium now conducted follow-up investigation nearly 90,000 participants one trials, BRIDGES, determine which types are associated mutations. analysis revealed distinctive patterns terms age type—for example, triple-negative tumors notably overrepresented women BRCA1 BARD1 These results thus enable accurate prediction genetic test inform development improved screening guidelines.Breast Consortium, Easton DF. JAMA Oncol. 27:e216744.44.Colorectal Dcoetzee Commons)People who obese early adulthood increased early-onset colorectal later life. Obesity has long been known as factor many cancers, but weight loss prior diagnosis confound association. Li analyzed medical records 6602 enrolled German compared them 7950 matched controls. They people had at 20 30 2.6 times 2 times, respectively, likely before 55 those normal ages. say body mass history, just current weight, should considered assessing person's cancer.Li H, Brenner H. Gastroenterology. 2021 Dec 13:S0016-5085(21)04074-9.Illustration declines due Covid-19 pandemic (SARS-Cov-2 Iketsi Commons)Cancer screenings procedures – number new cancers diagnosed declined significantly pandemic. Restrictions elective resulted widespread cancellation appointments decreased people's access care. Englum reviewed than 9 million veterans visited 1244 Veterans’ Affairs facilities across United States 2016 2020. performed 45% fewer colonoscopies 2020 average previous years, well CT scans, biopsies, cystoscopies. diagnoses dropped 13% 23%, necessitates recovery plan ensure health centers catch up backlog meet needs whose healthcare disrupted.Englum BR… Lal BK. Mar 1;128(5):1048-1056.