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Cancer research

Oral Bacteria and Fungi Linked to Pancreatic Cancer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at NYU School of Medicine have discovered that certain oral bacteria and fungi can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. The study, published in the JAMA Oncology journal, found that three specific oral bacteria - P gingivalis, E nodatum, and P micra - and one fungi, candida, are associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The study analyzed data from 122,000 participants over an eight-year period and identified 27 types of oral bacteria and fungi linked to the disease.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that three oral bacteria - P gingivalis, E nodatum, and P micra - and one fungi, candida, are associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
  • The researchers used data from two investigations, the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort and the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, to track participants for around eight years.
  • Of the 122,000 participants, 445 developed pancreatic cancer and were matched with 445 "controls" - participants who remained cancer-free.
  • The average age of participants was 67, and 53.3% were male.
  • A bacteriome-wide scan revealed 8 oral bacteria associated with decreased risk and 13 oral bacteria associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
  • The findings suggest that oral bacteria and fungi are significant risk factors for pancreatic cancer development.

Statistics:

  • 122,000 participants were analyzed over an eight-year period.
  • 445 developed pancreatic cancer and were matched with 445 "controls".
  • The average age of participants was 67.
  • 53.3% of participants were male.
  • 8 oral bacteria were associated with decreased risk of pancreatic cancer.
  • 13 oral bacteria were associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Sources:

  • NYU School of Medicine
  • JAMA Oncology journal
  • American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort
  • Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
  • NHS (National Health Service)

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