- Cancer was traditionally seen as a purely human disease, but recent research suggests some tumors host communities of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, known as the microbiome.
- The field has faced contradictions and retractions, lacking a clear benchmark, which is critical because false signals can waste resources and patient samples.
- A study using Genomics England's 100,000 Genomes Project found most cancers (e.g., brain, breast, kidneys) lack a distinguishable microbiome, likely due to contamination in earlier studies.
- However, cancers of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and bowel showed clear evidence of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, and even parasites like trichomonas.