Prostate tissue microbiota dysbiosis associated with prostate cancer: results from the MICROPROSTK multicenter study

•The prostate harbors a diverse and previously undercharacterized microbial ecosystem with species-level resolution.•Prostate cancer (PCa) patients exhibit higher microbial richness and α-diversity in prostate tissue than non PCa patients.•Distinct microbial communities are observed across prostate, urinary, and rectal niches, independent of cancer status.•Cutibacterium acnes is enriched in PCa patients' biopsies, Lactobacillus reuteri in non-PCa patients' biopsies.•Findings highlight potential prostate-associated pathobionts and protective commensalssignatures.