Periodontal Bacteria Linked to Pancreatic Cancer
A recent study published in Gut, a BMJ Journal, highlights the alarming connection between oral bacteria, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, and the acceleration of pancreatic cancer development. Led by Gabriel Nussbaum, MD, PhD, from the Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research at the Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, the research delves into the intricate relationship between oral microbiota and pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the predominant form of pancreatic cancer, poses significant challenges due to its elusive nature, with a dismal 5-year survival rate of 15%. Previous studies had hinted at a correlation between PDAC and P. gingivalis, but this research substantiates the link by demonstrating accelerated cancer development upon introducing the bacterium to genetically engineered models predisposed to PDAC. Moreover, the study reveals that P. gingivalis was detected in the pancreas of healthy models after the bacteria were applied to the gingiva, indicating a disruption in pancreatic microbial balance. Furthermore, the bacterium exhibited resilience within pancreatic cells, fostering the survival of cancer cells even under adverse conditions. This research underscores the critical need to consider oral health in the context of pancreatic cancer, opening doors for future investigations and potentially revolutionizing strategies for prevention and treatment. Click here to read more.