Mayo Clinic links gut bacteria to cancer survival and chemo side effects

Mayo Clinic researchers analyzed stool samples from 1,364 cancer patients and identified 341 bacterial species tied to five cancer groups. Younger colorectal cancer patients had higher levels of lactate and Veillonella parvula, while those on 5-FU who developed diarrhea had fewer bacterial genes for breaking down the drug.

• Stool samples from 1,364 cancer patients across 40 states were analyzed before treatment
• 341 bacterial species were linked to five cancer groups
• Younger colorectal cancer patients had higher lactate and Veillonella parvula levels
• Bifidobacterium longum was tied to longer survival in liver cancer