Oral Bacteria May Help Predict Risk of CRC

Investigators conducted a systematic review to investigate the microbial basis underlying the association between oral microbiota and colorectal cancer (CRC), according to their report in the Journal of Periodontal Research.

The study was designed to determine what if any differentiation exists in oral microbial composition between adult patients diagnosed with CRC and that of healthy patients. Using 4 databases, the team conducted a comprehensive search to identify potentially relevant studies published up to April 2024. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the studies included, resulting in the inclusion of 16 studies.

“Based on low to moderate evidence profile, high levels of certain subspecies within Firmicutes (such as Streptococcus anginosus, Peptostreptococcus stomatis, S. koreensis, and S. gallolyticus), Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Neisseria oralis were found to be associated with colorectal cancer,” the authors wrote. “Conversely, certain bacteria (e.g., Lachnospiraceae, F. periodonticum, and P. melaninogenica) could exert a symbiotic protective effect against colorectal cancer.”

The investigators concluded that “it appears that variations in oral microbiota composition exist among individuals with and without colorectal cancer. However, further research is necessary to determine the mechanisms of oral dysbiosis in colorectal carcinogenesis.

Addressing key challenges and advancing our understanding of the complex interactions between oral microbiota and CRC will be essential for realizing the full potential of this approach in early detection and management of the disease.”

Reference:

Camañes-Gonzalvo, S, Montiel-Company JM, Lobo-de-Mena M, et al. Relationship between oral microbiota and colorectal cancer: A systematic review. J Periodontal Res. 2024; 59(6):1071-1082. doi: 10.1111/jre.13289.