Heterogeneous changes in gut and tumor microbiota in patients with pancreatic cancer: insights from clinical evidence

Pancreatic cancer is the foremost contributor to cancer-related deaths globally, and its prevalence continues to rise annually. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms behind its development remain unclear and necessitate comprehensive investigation. In this study, a total of 29 fresh stool samples were collected from patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The gut microbial data of healthy controls were obtained from the SRA database (SRA data number: SRP150089). Additionally, 28 serum samples and diseased tissues were collected from 14 patients with confirmed pancreatic cancer and 14 patients with chronic pancreatitis. Informed consent was obtained from both groups of patients. Microbial sequencing was performed using 16s rRNA. The results showed that compared with healthy controls, the species abundance index of intestinal flora in patients with pancreatic cancer was increased (P