Overview

• Analyzing 1,602 tumor and 116 adjacent normal samples from public datasets, researchers identified a conserved microbial pattern across six gastrointestinal cancers.
• Using these taxa, the team built a microbiota-based risk score that predicted poorer survival and higher likelihood of metastasis in high-risk patients.
• The model also correlated with differential responses to some immunotherapies, suggesting a potential role in therapy selection.
• Granulicella abundance was linked to fewer activated CD8+ T cells and greater metastasis risk, whereas Dorea was associated with stronger immune responses and lower spread.
• Investigators emphasize the tool is intended to complement staging and genomic markers, noting rising GI cancer incidence in younger adults underscores the need for better stratification.