Link Between Oral Microbes and Increased Pancreatic Cancer Risk

A comprehensive study conducted by NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center has uncovered a significant connection between specific microbes in the mouth and the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The research identified that the presence of 27 different bacterial and fungal species in the oral microbiome is associated with a 3.5-fold increase in pancreatic cancer risk. Historically, poor oral health has been linked to various health issues, including an elevated risk for pancreatic cancer, but the mechanisms behind this correlation remained unclear. Recent findings provide new insights, revealing that bacteria can travel through swallowed saliva into the pancreas, potentially influencing cancer development.

This study, published in JAMA Oncology, analyzed mucosal DNA from saliva samples of approximately 122,000 healthy individuals over an average follow-up of nine years. Comparing DNA from 445 patients who developed pancreatic cancer with 445 controls, researchers identified 24 microbial species that either increased or decreased cancer risk. Notably, some bacteria and fungi, including a yeast called Candida—common in the mouth—were also found within pancreatic tumors, suggesting a possible role in disease progression.

The team also developed a new risk assessment model based on the microbial composition of individuals’ mouths, which could help identify those at higher risk for pancreatic cancer. Experts believe that profiling oral microbiomes might become an effective screening tool, especially since current methods for detecting this deadly disease are limited.

The study emphasizes that maintaining good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, not only prevents periodontal disease but might also offer protection against certain cancers. While the research establishes a strong correlation, it does not confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Further investigations are planned to explore whether oral viruses and other microbes contribute to cancer development or impact patient outcomes.

This groundbreaking research enhances our understanding of the oral microbiome's role in systemic diseases and opens new pathways for early detection and prevention strategies in pancreatic cancer, a notoriously difficult-to-diagnose and highly lethal illness.