Altering microorganisms in the intestine and managing inflammation may prevent colorectal cancer, according to findings from Gainesville-based University of Florida researchers.
Abnormal microbiota contributes to inflammation and CRC development.
Researchers studied how managing inflammation with an anti-inflammatory treatment would affect colon cancer development in mice. Researchers gave mice with colon cancer anti-tumor necrosis factor, a therapy used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. When mice received the anti-TNF therapy, it lessened inflammation and colon cancer development.
Researchers are building on the research to look for microbial genes or pathways that affect cancer development. They said more work is needed to understand the relationship between therapies, microbiota and cancer development.
Read the study here.