A TYPE of bacteria that causes dental plaque can cause certain types of cancer to “melt” and disappear almost completely, scientists have discovered.
Scientists were “brutally surprised” to discover that Fusobacterium appears to have the ability to kill up to 99% of certain types of cancer.
People whose head and neck cancers had this bacteria in their tumors also had “much better outcomes,” according to a new study.
In the mouth, it is one of the most common types of disease-causing bacteria, linked to gum disease and plaque buildup.
The science behind the new link is being investigated by researchers at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London after making the discovery.
Their new study, carried out in collaboration with an international team of researchers, used several different methods to study the link.
Experts used modeling to help identify which bacteria might be of interest for further investigation.
They then studied the effect of the bacteria on cancer cells in the laboratory.
They also performed an analysis of tumor data from 155 patients with head and neck cancer.
In laboratory studies, researchers placed quantities of the bacteria in Petri dishes and left them for a few days.
When they returned to inspect the bacteria’s effect on the cancer, they discovered that the cancer had almost disappeared.
They found that there was a 70 to 99 percent reduction in the number of viable cancer cells in head and neck cancer cells after they were infected with Fusobacterium.
An analysis of patient data found that those with the Fusobacterium bacteria in their cancer had better chances of survival compared to those who didn’t.
Fusobacterium in head and neck cancers was associated with a 65 percent reduction in the risk of death compared to patients whose cancers did not contain the bacteria.
Researchers hope the discovery can help guide treatment for patients with head and neck cancer – which includes cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, nose and sinuses.
Academics initially expected a completely different result, as previous research linked Fusobacterium to the progression of bowel cancer.
NEW TREATMENTS
There have been very few therapeutic advances in head and neck cancer in the last 20 years, so it is hoped that the discovery could lead to new treatments in the future.
Study lead author Miguel Reis Ferreira said: “In essence, we found that when you find these bacteria in head and neck cancers, they have much better outcomes.
“The other thing we discovered is that, in cell cultures, this bacteria is capable of killing cancer.
“What we’re finding is that this little bug is causing a better outcome based on something it’s doing inside the cancer.
“So we’re looking for this mechanism right now, and it should be the subject of a new paper in the very near-term future.”
Dr Reis Ferreira, consultant in head and neck cancers at Guy’s and St Thomas’ of King’s College London, added: “This research reveals that these bacteria play a more complex role than previously known in their relationship to cancer.
“[We now know] they essentially melt head and neck cancer cells. However, this discovery must be balanced by its known role in worsening cancers, such as bowel cancer.
“Colorectal cancer research indicates that these bacteria are bad, and that was kind of ingrained in our minds, and we expected to find the same thing.
“When we started to find things the other way around, we were brutally surprised.”
‘INNOVATIVE’
Dr Reis Ferreira said that before the laboratory work, led by Dr Anjali Chander, the team hoped that Fusobacterium would encourage the growth of these cancers or make them more resistant to radiotherapy.
But they found that “at the end of a few days, it completely destroys the cancer,” they said.
“You put this into cancer in very low amounts and it starts killing it very quickly,” he said.
“And then we obtained the validation cohort in collaboration with an Italian group from Milan through (researcher) Tiziana Rancati.”
Dr Anjali Chander, senior clinical researcher at King’s College London and lead author, added: “Our findings are remarkable and very surprising.
“We had a eureka moment when we discovered that our international colleagues also found data that validated the discovery.”
What is Fusobacteria?
Fusobacterium is a type of bacteria commonly found in the human mouth and intestine
It is generally harmless and helps with normal processes, but can sometimes cause infections, especially if the immune system is weakened.
For example, it can contribute to gum disease or, in rare cases, more serious infections such as abscesses.
In recent studies, Fusobacterium has been linked to bowel cancer.
Researchers have found that high levels of this bacteria in the gut may be associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
This is possibly due to its role in inflammation and interactions with intestinal cells.
Although not usually a cause for concern, maintaining good oral and digestive health can help control Fusobacterium levels and reduce potential risks.
Reis Ferreira added: “What this could mean is that we can use these bacteria to better predict which patients are most likely to have good or worse outcomes.
“And based on that, we could change treatment to make it gentler in patients who have better outcomes, or make it more intense in patients who are more likely to have their cancer return.”
The scientists published an article about the discovery in the journal Cancer Communications, which describes how Fusobacterium is “toxic” for head and neck cancer and how its presence “may determine a better prognosis”.
“Fusobacterium detectability was associated with both better overall survival and better disease-specific survival,” the authors wrote.
Barbara Kasumu, chief executive of Guy’s Cancer Charity, which helped fund the study, said: “We are proud to support the innovative research led by Miguel and Anjali, which aims to improve our understanding of head and neck cancer and develop a more comprehensive approach. compassionate and effective treatments.”
Other exciting developments revolutionizing cancer treatment
Here’s a look at the latest advancements:
1. Targeted therapies
These new treatments are designed to specifically attack cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. This means fewer side effects and better results.
2. CAR-T cell immunotherapy
This approach improves the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
CAR-T cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy, involves modifying a patient’s T cells to better target cancer cells.
Immunotherapy has shown promising results in several types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma.
3. Personalized medicine
Doctors can now use genetic information to personalize treatments just for you. This means choosing the best treatment based on your specific cancer.
5. Liquid biopsies
These are non-invasive tests that detect cancer-related genetic material (such as DNA or RNA) in the blood.
Liquid biopsies can provide valuable information for early diagnosis, monitoring response to treatment, and detecting relapses.
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