A Narrative Literature Review on Sepsis - A Primary Manifestation of Colorectal Neoplasm

Sep 28, 2026

Sepsis and colorectal cancer (CRC) show a complex relationship requiring deeper exploration. This narrative review examines overlapping pathophysiological features and potential microbial links, including Streptococcus bovis and Clostridium septicum, and highlights immune dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia, and microbial imbalance. Understanding these connections supports earlier CRC diagnosis, better patient management, and improved outcomes. It emphasizes timely recognition and tailored care with antibiotics, source control, cancer treatment, biomarker monitoring, and multidisciplinary strategies, including fecal microbiota transplantation and personalized approaches.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction and Background

Colorectal cancer epidemiology and genetics

Gut microbiota and dysbiosis

Clinical presentation and bacteremia as an investigated sign

Definitions, burden, and risk factors of sepsis

Open Access Review Article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44803 Received 07/09/2023 Review began 08/17/2023 Review ended 08/27/2023 Published 09/06/2023 © Copyright 2023 Masood et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC-BY 4.0. , which permits unrestricted use , distribution , and reproduction in any medium , provided the original author and source are credited. A Narrative Literature Review on Sepsis: A Primary Manifestation of Colorectal Neoplasm Lalain Masood 1 , Agustina Müller 2 , Nayab Z. Ali 3 , Anvitha Mummadisetty 4 , Anam Yahya 5 , Sai Shivani Burugu 6 , Rabia Sajid 7 , Mohit Lakkimsetti 8 , Sowmya Sagireddy 9 , Zain U. Abdin 10 , Zahra Nazir 11 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Bahria University Health Sciences Campus, Karachi, PAK 2. Department of General Medicine, Austral University Hospital, Pilar, ARG 3. Department of Internal Medicine, Sialkot Medical College, Sialkot, PAK 4. Department of Internal Medicine, Modern Government Maternity Hospital, Hyderabad, IND 5. Department of Pharmacology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai, IND 6. Department of Psychiatry, Hereford County Hospital, Hereford, GBR 7. Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, PAK 8. Department of Internal Medicine, Mamata Medical College, Khammam, IND 9. Department of Internal Medicine, Coney Island Hospital, New York, USA 10. Department of Internal Medicine, District Head Quarter Hospital, Faisalabad, PAK 11. Department of Internal Medicine, Combined Military Hospital, Quetta, PAK Corresponding author: Zahra Nazir, [naz_zahra93@outlook.com](naz_zahra93@outlook.com) Abstract Sepsis and colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibit a complex relationship that warrants further exploration. This review delves into the interplay of factors between sepsis and CRC, uncovering shared pathophysiological traits and potential bacterial associations. Understanding these connections could pave the way for earlier diagnosis, improved management, and enhanced outcomes in CRC patients. The role of immune system dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia, and specific microbial imbalances, such as Streptococcus bovis and Clostridium septicum, are discussed. Recognizing sepsis in CRC patients is crucial for timely intervention, and tailored approaches encompassing antibiotic therapy, source control measures, and cancer treatment are essential for comprehensive care. Monitoring biomarkers and ratios can provide valuable insights into complications and overall health outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach involving various specialists is necessary to address the global burden of CRC and its association with sepsis while exploring novel interventions, such as fecal microbiota transplantation and personalized care. We conducted a thorough search using reputable databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to investigate the connection between sepsis and CRC. We refined our search terms, utilized sidebar filters, and examined references in selected articles. This meticulous process helped us create a comprehensive literature review and gain valuable insights into this relationship. Categories: Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Palliative Care Keywords: difficult-to-treat pathogens, microbial association, complication, colorectal cancer (crc), abdominal sepsis Introduction And Background As the fourth most significant cause of death, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most prevalent adult cancer in women and the third most prevalent in men, accounting for 9.2% of fatalities globally [1] . Colorectal neoplasms are heterogenetic and sporadic [2] . Concerning the various mechanisms playing a role in carcinogenesis, the Knudson two-hit hypothesis is an old but golden rule that addresses this question. Accordingly, although host factors play a significant role, the second hit from various environmental factors is the one that aggravates carcinogenesis [3] . Intere

FAQs

How does the review describe the relationship between sepsis and colorectal cancer (CRC)?

It describes a complex interplay involving shared pathophysiological traits and potential bacterial associations. The review focuses on mechanisms such as immune system dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia, and microbial imbalance that may connect sepsis to CRC.

Which microbial associations and organisms are discussed as relevant to CRC and sepsis?

The abstract highlights bacterial associations including Streptococcus bovis and Clostridium septicum. It also mentions broader microbial imbalance and immune-related factors in CRC patients.

What management and diagnostic considerations does the review emphasize for CRC patients at risk of sepsis?

It stresses recognizing sepsis promptly in CRC patients and using tailored approaches that include antibiotic therapy and source control alongside cancer treatment. It also highlights monitoring biomarkers and adopting a multidisciplinary care model.

Sep 28, 2026

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