Oral microbiota may be implicated in head and neck cancer development

Researchers have identified oral bacteria that may be associated with an increased risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

In a study published in JAMA Oncology, the researchers analyzed the oral samples from three epidemiologic cohorts involving 159,840 participants. They then characterized the oral bacterial and fungal microbiomes and examined their correlation with subsequent incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

After a mean follow-up of 5.1 years, the researchers noted that 236 of the participants developed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. They found that 13 bacterial species were differentially associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma risk. For instance, Prevotella salivae, Streptococcus sanguinis, Leptotrichia species, Eikenella corrodens, Simonsiella muelleri, Rodentibacter pneumotropicus and Pasteurella multocida were linked to a lower likelihood of cancer development. However, the red/orange periodontal pathogen complex was moderately associated with cancer risk. The researchers reported no statistically significant associations between fungal microbiota and the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The findings indicated that certain oral bacteria may be risk factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma development, potentially leading to personalized prevention strategies.

Read more: JAMA Oncology

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