Oral Bacteria and Fungi Linked to Increased Pancreatic Cancer Risk

Strategic Insights -

Researchers have discovered an association between oral bacteria and fungi and the development of pancreatic cancer. A study published in JAMA Oncology found that certain bacteria and fungi in the mouth are linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The study analyzed data from over 122,000 participants and found that individuals with certain oral bacteria and fungi were more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found associations between three oral bacterial periodontal pathogens — Porphyromonas gingivalis, Eubacterium nodatum, and Parvimonas micra — and an increased risk for pancreatic cancer.
  • Eight oral bacteria were associated with a decreased risk for pancreatic cancer, while 13 oral bacteria were associated with an increased risk.
  • The fungal genus Candida was also associated with an increased risk for pancreatic cancer.
  • The microbial risk score (MRS), based on 27 oral species, was linked to an increased risk for pancreatic cancer, with a multivariate odds ratio of 3.44 per one standard deviation in MRS.
  • The study analyzed data from two epidemiological cohorts — the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort and the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial.
  • The researchers identified 445 individuals who developed pancreatic cancer during a median follow-up of 8.8 years and matched them with 445 control participants.

Statistics:

  • 122,000 participants provided samples for the study.
  • 445 individuals developed pancreatic cancer during the follow-up period, with a median follow-up of 8.8 years.
  • 445 control participants were matched with the individuals who developed pancreatic cancer.
  • 27 oral species were used to calculate the microbial risk score (MRS).
  • The multivariate odds ratio per one standard deviation in MRS was 3.44.

Sources:

  • JAMA Oncology, online Sept. 18, 2025
  • NYU Grossman School of Medicine
  • American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort
  • Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial