This research article from Nature Cancer investigates the microbial landscape within glioblastomas and brain metastases. By analyzing 322 tumor samples, scientists discovered that brain metastases possess a higher variety and richness of bacteria compared to primary brain tumors. The study highlights that microbial communities vary significantly based on the specific tumor type and its location within the brain, with posterior regions showing greater diversity. Metabolic pathway analysis suggests these bacteria may play roles in tumor progression and the spread of cancer. Furthermore, the presence of certain bacteria correlates with patient survival rates and may influence how tumors respond to chemotherapy. Researchers used multiple high-tech methods to confirm that these intracellular bacteria are alive and metabolically active.

References:

• Gigi E, Gavert N, Raijman-Nagar L, et al. Characterization of the tumor microbiome of brain metastases and glioblastoma reveals tumor-type-specific and location-specific microbial signatures[J]. Nature Cancer, 2025: 1-16.