title: The Microbiome and Cancer: Is the 'Oncobiome' Mirage Real?
abstract: Investigations focused on the interplay between the human microbiome and cancer development, herein termed the 'oncobiome', have been growing at a rapid rate. However, these studies to date have primarily demonstrated associative relationships rather than causative ones. We pose the question of whether this emerging field of research is a 'mirage' without a clear picture, or truly represents a paradigm shift for cancer research. We propose the necessary steps needed to answer crucial questions and push the field forward to bring the mirage into a tangible reality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA ; Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
authors.forename: Ryan M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jobin