A bacteria commonly found in the mouth, Fusobacterium, has been discovered to potentially "melt" away and destroy certain cancers, particularly head and neck cancer.
Patients with head and neck cancer with Fusobacterium within their tumors had better outcomes and a 65% reduction in the risk of death compared to those without the bacteria.
In laboratory studies, the bacteria led to a 70 to 99% reduction in viable head and neck cancer cells, showcasing its potential in cancer treatment.
New labels on toothpaste and mouthwash will now encourage users to contact their GP if they notice signs of mouth cancer, helping with early detection and treatment.
Researchers hope the findings regarding the relationship between Fusobacterium and cancer could lead to new treatments in the future by better predicting patient outcomes and guiding treatment plans.
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found that a bacteria commonly found in the mouth has the potential to “melt” away and destroy certain cancers, specifically head and neck cancer. This surprising finding came about when researchers observed that patients with Fusobacterium present in their tumors had significantly better outcomes compared to those without this bacteria. Further investigation is underway to understand the biological mechanisms behind this link.
The research, conducted by experts at Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College London, involved exposing cancer cells to Fusobacterium in laboratory studies. Results showed a remarkable 70 to 99 percent reduction in the number of viable head and neck cancer cells after being infected with this bacteria. This discovery could potentially revolutionize cancer treatment, providing hope for new therapeutic approaches that could improve patient outcomes in the future. Scientists are optimistic that this finding may lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for individuals with head and neck cancer.
