Researchers found that Lactobacillus iners, a bacterium found in tumors, made cervical cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and was linked to worse patient survival. The same type of lactic acid-producing bacteria showed similar concerning patterns across colorectal, lung, head and neck, and skin cancers. Bottom line: this bacterium fundamentally changes how cancer cells metabolize energy, making treatments less effective.

Scientists analyzed tumor and gut microbiomes from cervical cancer patients using genetic sequencing and lab cultures, then tested whether isolated Lactobacillus iners bacteria could reduce chemotherapy and radiation effectiveness in cancer cells.

Funding not disclosed in abstract