Mouth-dwelling bacteria and fungi from twenty-seven different species may enhace the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer in individuals.
In a groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal, JAMA Oncology, researchers from the University of Kiel and UKSH have investigated the potential relationship between the oral microbiome and the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The study, which analyzed saliva samples from over 122,000 healthy individuals followed for nearly a decade, has shed light on the role of certain bacteria and fungi in the development of this deadly disease.
The research found that the presence of specific bacteria and fungi in the mouth is associated with a 3.5 times greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Some microbes related to periodontitis were also identified as associated with a higher risk. The study identified 27 species of bacteria and fungi linked to cancer risk, with the involvement of Candida fungus highlighted for the first time.
However, the study does not offer new insights into the mechanisms by which these identified microbes contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer. Nor does it provide new information on the number of saliva samples analyzed or the duration of the study.
In a separate study, scientists at NYU Langone Health analyzed the oral microbiome of 445 patients who developed pancreatic cancer and 445 participants who remained free of the disease. Their findings echo those of the Kiel and UKSH researchers, emphasizing the potential role of oral health in the prevention of oral diseases and potentially cancer.
Richard Hayes, co-author and professor at NYU, stated, "Our findings suggest that oral health could play a key role in the prevention of oral diseases and potentially cancer. It's crucial that we continue to explore this relationship further."
The studies have led to the development of a predictive tool capable of estimating the risk of pancreatic cancer from the oral microbial profile. This tool, a subscriber-exclusive functionality, could open the door to new early screening strategies for pancreatic cancer, a type of cancer typically diagnosed in advanced stages.
Lead author of the Kiel and UKSH study, Yixuan Meng, stated, "Our findings help better understand the relationship between the oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer. This could lead to the development of new strategies for early detection and prevention of this deadly disease."
While the studies provide valuable insights into the relationship between the oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer, they do not offer new insights into the role of the oral microbiome beyond what was previously established in the association with a 3.5 times greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer. They also do not identify any new microbes related to periodontitis as associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer.
These studies underscore the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and potentially contributing to the development of new screening and prevention strategies for pancreatic cancer. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which these identified microbes contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer and to identify potential new targets for intervention.
