Emerging data indicate a central role for the microbiota in all aspects of colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite this general consensus, understanding the role of specific components of the microbiota in such a way that enables the development of clinical interventions or tools to inform clinical decision-making has thus far proved challenging. In this Review, the authors summarize the role of the microbiota in CRC, including in prevention, in interactions with treatment and as a source of novel biomarkers.
