Amidst the surprising trend of rising colon cancer cases among young people, new research has identified potential sources.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have linked a bacterial toxin called colibactin to an increase in early onset cases.
According to the researchers, colibactin is produced by certain strains of E. coli (Escherichia coli) found in the colon and rectum.
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Research has found that exposure to bacterial toxins in early childhood can alter colon cells’ DNA in a way that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by the age of 50, studies have found.
In this study, the researchers analyzed 981 colorectal cancer genomes from early-onset and late-onset colorectal cancer patients in 11 countries. (istock)
The study, funded by Cancer Research UK, was published in the journal Nature on April 23rd.
“The key point is that exposure to colibactin is likely a major contributor to early-onset colorectal cancer,” Radmill Alexandrov, professor of bioengineering at Shu Chen Jane Ray, and professor of the School of Cell and Molecular Medicine in San Die, California, told Fox News Digital.
“They could be decades ahead of schedule to develop colorectal cancer.”
In this study, the researchers analyzed 981 colorectal cancer genomes from early-onset and late-onset colorectal cancer patients in 11 countries.
Those who have been preexposed to colibactin have found that they have certain mutations in their DNA, which are primarily shown to occur in the first decade of their lives.
Research has found that exposure to bacterial toxins in early childhood can alter colon cells’ DNA in a way that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by the age of 50, studies have found. (istock)
The group was 3.3 times more likely to develop early-onset colorectal cancer than those diagnosed after age 70.
These mutations were found to account for 15% of early genetic changes that increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
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“We detected mutation signatures of colibactin in over 50% of colorectal tumors in patients under the age of 40, compared to less than 10% of tumors in older adults,” said Alexandrov.
“If someone acquires one of these driver mutations by the age of 10, it could be decades ahead of the expected development of colon cancer, and it could be at age 40 instead of 60,” says Alexandrov.
Researchers say that the fact that microbial exposure can leave behind a “permanent genome imprint” in the first few years of life is the fact that it is likely to be “surprisingly calm.”
“There are a lot of other such exposures that we haven’t yet revealed, and it reminds us that the way we raise and protect children during these formative years can have long-term impacts on lifelong health,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“From my perspective, investing in childhood prevention, healthy living and research is not important. That’s essential.”
Dr. Emil Lu, a board-certified oncologist and internal medicine physician at the University of Minnesota, agrees that the microbial flora – the “constellation of microorganisms containing bacteria that live under normal circumstances within our gut” is a potential perpetrator of early onset colorectal cancer.
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“Now it’s less surprising than it was 10 years ago. More specifically, more specifically, bacteria-derived toxins may be associated with the main causes of cancer, potentially the main causes of cancer,” Lou, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
“Of course of concern is the long-term period between exposure to bacteria early in life and the diagnosis of associated cancer.”
Potential limitations
Alexandrov noted that the study provides “strong genomic evidence” for a “salient association” between colibactin and early-onset colorectal cancer, but it cannot prove a causal relationship.
“To demonstrate a clear causal relationship – to prove that colibuctin is sufficient to initiate cancer in humans remains an important challenge,” he told Fox News Digital.
Statistics show that in the past 20 years, adults under the age of 50 have doubled. (istock)
“The conclusive evidence of causality involves long-term prospective studies beginning in early childhood monitoring microbial colonization and tracking cancer incidence over decades.”
Lou agreed to this limitation and noted the complexity of cancer factors.
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“There are many aspects of our environment that can play a role in the development of cancer, both inside and outside our bodies,” he said. “It’s difficult to say, “A single factor given (in this case, whether a bacterial toxin is the true or even a major cause of colon cancer.”
“Providing evidence of potential associations sets the foundation for more in-depth research to determine whether there is a true cause and effect,” added Lou.
“If the current trend continues, colorectal cancer is predicted to be a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in young adults by 2030.”
Alexandrov noted that the findings do not yet guarantee screening or changes to treatment guidelines, but highlights the “important role of childhood microbial exposure” in terms of long-term cancer risk.
“We are actively working to develop screening tests to detect the long-term effects of colibactin exposure, with the aim of translating these findings into actual prevention strategies in the near future,” he added.
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Statistics show that in the past 20 years, adults under the age of 50 have doubled.
“If the current trend continues, colorectal cancer is predicted to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in young adults by 2030,” the researchers concluded.
