From colon wall to tumor niche: Unraveling the microbiome's role in colorectal cancer progression.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is influenced by perturbations in the colonic microbiota, characterized by an imbalance favoring pathogenic bacteria over beneficial ones. This dysbiosis contributes to CRC initiation and progression through mechanisms such as carcinogenic metabolite production, inflammation induction, DNA damage, and oncogenic signaling activation. Understanding the role of external factors in shaping the colonic microbiota is crucial for mitigating CRC progression.