Oral Microbiome Implicated in Pancreatic Cancer Risk, new Research Suggests
New York, NY – September 23, โ2025 – A groundbreaking study published today in Gut reveals a significant correlation between the composition of oral bacteria and an increased risk ofโ developingโค pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest and most arduous-to-treat cancers. Researchers at the New York University (NYU)โ Grossman School of Medicine found individuals diagnosed withโฃ pancreatic cancer exhibited markedly different oral microbiome profiles compared to those without the disease, potentially opening new avenues for early detection and โpreventative strategies.
Pancreaticโ cancer is projected to become the fourth leading โขcause of cancer death in the United States byโข 2030,according โto the โขPancreaticโฃ Cancer Action Network.โฃ Currently, it accounts for approximately โ3% of all cancerโ deaths.The โคdisease often presentsโค with โvague symptoms, leading to late-stage diagnoses and poor survival rates.This new research suggestsโ the oral microbiome-the community of microorganisms living in theโ mouth-could โserve as a non-invasive biomarker forโค identifying individuals at higher risk, potentially enabling earlier intervention โand improved โคoutcomes.
The โNYU study, involving 361 participants, identifiedโค specific bacterial species consistently enriched โคin the mouths of โคthose with pancreatic cancer. Streptococcus and Veillonella โค were among the bacteria found in substantiallyโค higher abundance.Researchersโ hypothesize these microbesโฃ may contribute to chronic inflammation,โ triggering a cascade of events that promote tumor development. The study also โคindicated โthat the presence of these bacteria preceded โcancer diagnosis by as much as two years in someโข cases.
While the exact mechanisms linking โคoral bacteria to pancreatic cancer remain under investigation, researchers believe โbacterial metabolites entering the โขbloodstream could play aโ crucial role. โ Dr. Jiyoung Kim,lead author of the study and an associate professorโ of population health at NYU,stated,”Our findings suggest that oral health may be an underappreciated,yet critical,factor in the development of pancreatic cancer.”
Risk Factors andโข Prevention:
Beyond theโค newly identified oral microbiome link, established risk factors for pancreatic cancer include:
* โ Smoking: Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than non-smokers.
* Obesity: โฃIndividuals with a bodyโข mass index (BMI)โค ofโ 30 or higher have an increased risk.
* โข Diabetes: Long-standing diabetes is associated with a higher incidence of theโ disease.
* โข Chronic Pancreatitis: inflammation of theโ pancreas over a prolonged period can elevate risk.
* Familyโ History: Having a family history ofโ pancreatic โคcancer increases susceptibility.
* Age: The risk increases with age,with most cases diagnosed after ageโ 65.
Preventative Measures:
While pancreatic โขcancer cannot always beโ prevented, individuals can take steps to reduce their risk:
* Quitโข Smoking: eliminating tobacco use is โฃparamount.
* Maintain a Healthy Weight: โ Achieving and maintaining a healthy BMI thru diet and exercise is crucial.
* manage Diabetes: Effective management of blood sugarโข levels is essential.
* Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake is linked to increased risk.
* โ Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are vital for maintaining a โhealthy oral microbiome.
* โฃ Consider Regular Checkups: Individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer should discuss screening options with their โhealthcare provider.
Researchers emphasize that further studies are needed to confirm these findings โand determine weather modifying the oral โmicrobiome through interventions like probiotics or targeted oral hygiene โฃpractices can reduce pancreatic cancer risk. The next phase of research will focus on larger, longitudinal studies to track โคchanges in โคthe oral microbiomeโข overโ time and assess the impact ofโ interventions.