A new study suggests that analysing gut DNA could help predict the recurrence of melanoma with up to 94 percent accuracy, offering a potential step toward more personalised cancer care.
Researchers from NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center found that the gut microbiome, the collection of bacteria in the digestive system, may hold clues about how cancer behaves after treatment.
The study focused on melanoma patients who had undergone tumour removal. By analysing stool samples, researchers identified unique DNA patterns and microbial signatures, described as a “fingerprint,” that could indicate the likelihood of cancer returning.
Scientists say the gut microbiome plays a key role in immunity, inflammation, and metabolism, all of which influence how cancer develops and responds to treatment. Changes in this microbial balance, known as dysbiosis, have already been linked to several cancers.
The findings suggest that gut DNA may reflect immune signalling and inflammation pathways in the body, allowing researchers to detect subtle biological changes associated with cancer recurrence.
Experts say the research could help enable earlier intervention, closer monitoring, and more tailored follow-up care for melanoma patients, potentially reducing the need for frequent scans and easing uncertainty after treatment.
However, researchers caution that the study is still in early stages and requires further validation in larger clinical trials. It is not a cure, nor is it ready to replace existing diagnostic methods such as scans and biopsies.
Cancer cases continue to rise in India, with estimates from the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research projecting nearly 1.57 million cases by 2025.
While the results show promise, scientists say microbiome-based diagnostics could take years to become part of routine care. For now, the study offers a glimpse into how personalised monitoring using non-invasive methods like stool analysis could shape future cancer treatment strategies.