A common type of bacteria has been found to cause some cancers to “melt,” according to researchers.
People who had fusobacteria on the head and neck cancers had “much better results” – with scientists saying they were “brutally surprised” by the findings.
The bacteria is commonly found in the mouth and in laboratory studies has led to a 70-99% reduction in viable cancer cells when left in petri dishes for a few days.
The researchers also analyzed 155 head and neck cancer patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas database and found a 65% reduction in the risk of death where fusobacteria was detected.
The apparent benefit of fusobacteria came as a surprise, as previous research has linked it to the progression of bowel cancer.
The study was carried out by experts from Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London, in partnership with international researchers.
They are now studying the exact biological mechanisms behind the findings.
It is hoped that the bacteria can help formulate new treatments for patients with head and neck cancer, which includes cancers of the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat and voice box.
“In essence, we found that when we find these bacteria in head and neck cancer, they have much better outcomes,” said study senior author Dr Miguel Reis Ferreira, consultant at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and senior lecturer at King’s College. .
“The other thing we discovered is that, in cell cultures, this bacteria is capable of killing cancer.”
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Reis Ferreira added: “This research reveals that these bacteria play a more complex role than previously known in their relationship to cancer – 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.”
The study is detailed in the journal Cancer Communications.
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