Key clinical point: A Western-style diet (rich in red and processed meat) is more strongly associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence for tumors containing higher amounts of polyketide synthase ( pks)+ Escherichia coli.
Major finding: The association between the Western diet score and CRC incidence was stronger for tumors with higher pks+ E. coli levels ( Pheterogeneity = .014). Individuals in the highest vs lowest tertile of diet score with pks+ E. coli -high, -low, and -negative tumors had adjusted hazard ratios of 3.45 (95% CI 1.53-7.78; Ptrend = .001), 1.22 (95% CI 0.57-2.63), and 1.10 (95% CI 0.85-1.42), respectively.
Study details: This study analyzed the dietary information of 134,775 individuals enrolled in 2 U.S.-wide longitudinal prospective cohort studies using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires.
Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health, among others. Some authors declared previously serving as advisors or consultants for or receiving research grants from various sources.
Source: Arima K et al. Western-style diet, pks island-carrying Escherichia coli , and colorectal cancer: Analyses from two large prospective cohort studies. Gastroenterology. 2022 (Jun 24). Doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.06.054