Virginia Tech researchers have discovered that a species of bacteria commonly found in the mouth can migrate around the body via the blood and trigger existing colorectal cancer cells (CRC) to spread, or metastasize. Studies have previously linked Fusobacterium nucleatum with colorectal tumors, increased tumor microenvironment inflammation, and poor patient prognosis. The new findings indicate that the bacterium may also directly and indirectly modulate immune and cancer cell signaling and migration.