The Microbiome’s Influence on Head and Neck Cancers

Abstract

Purpose of Review Head and neck tumors (HNC) rank sixth among cancers worldwide. Due to their late diagnosis and poor prognosis, they are a clinical challenge. However, recent years have seen a dynamic development of science on the microbiome. The aim of the study is to discuss the role of the microbiome in HNC, the impact of the microbiome on oncogenesis, the course of the disease, as well as on treatment, and its toxicity. Recent Findings The microbiome’s influence on oncogenesis, the course of the disease, and the effectiveness of oncological treatment have been confirmed in cancers of the colon, pancreas, lungs, and prostate. There is no solid literature on HNC. Many studies indicate disruption of the oral microbiome and periodontal disease as potential cancer risk factors. Disruption of the microbiome increases radiotherapy’s toxicity, intensifying radiation reactions. Summary The microbiome plays an important role in cancer. It is a new target in research into new therapies. It may also be a prognostic marker of cancer development. Changes in the composition of the microbiome modulate the effectiveness of oncological treatment. More research is needed on the microbiome and its effects on HNC.

Anti-cancer management of head and neck cancers and oral microbiome—what can we clinically obtain?

“…It is estimated that the 5-year survival rate is less than 50% ( Dorobisz et al., 2023 ). Human papilloma virus (HPV) (especially type 16), Epstein–Barr virus, tobacco, usage of alcohol, and poor oral hygiene are the main risk factors of head and neck cancer (HNC) ( Hübbers and Akgül, 2015 ; Rettig and D’Souza, 2015 ; Cohen et al., 2018 ; Kaidar-Person et al., 2018 ; Dorobisz et al., 2023 ). It is estimated that even 4.5% of cancers worldwide are associated with HPV infection ( Roman and Aragones, 2021 ).…”

“…It is estimated that even 4.5% of cancers worldwide are associated with HPV infection ( Roman and Aragones, 2021 ). The difference of the overall microbiome (not only viral infections) profile between healthy people and patients with HNCs was detected ( Dorobisz et al., 2023 ). In the study of Hayes et al., it was shown that abundance of oral microbes, such as Corynebacterium and Kingella , is related to a lower risk of HNSCC ( Hayes et al., 2018 ).…”

“…The results from a recently published study revealed that the salivary microbiome of patients with oral cancer has a higher amount of potential pathogens in comparison to that of healthy subjects ( Mäkinen et al., 2023 ). Some of the microbes can be established as a biomarker allowing to prognose the development of HNCs ( Dorobisz et al., 2023 ). It has been also recognized that the microbiome affects the metastasis process ( Miranda-Galvis et al., 2021 ).…”

Implications of oral dysbiosis and HPV infection in head and neck cancer: from molecular and cellular mechanisms to early diagnosis and therapy

“…HNCs have a multifactorial etiology, including genetic and epigenetic mechanisms ( 3 ), oral dysbiosis ( 4 ), infections with human papilloma virus (HPV), mostly oncogenic types 16 and 18 ( 5 ), and EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) ( 6 ), laryngopharyngeal reflux ( 7 ), prior exposure to radiotherapy ( 8 ) as well as various lifestyle features, such as heavy smoking and alcohol consumption ( 9 , 10 ), chewing betel quid (Areca nuts) ( 11 ), marijuana use ( 12 ), poor oral hygiene ( 13 , 14 ), pro-inflammatory diet (e.g., fried, smoked, or roasted meat) ( 15 ), oral dysbiosis ( 16 ), prolonged exposure to sunlight, inhalation of chemical pollutants ( 17 – 22 ) ( Figure 1 ). These multifaceted risk factors highlight the need for comprehensive strategies in both prevention and management to combat HNCs effectively.…”

“…Several papers recently described the role of HPV infection and the composition of the host microbiome in HNCs carcinogenesis ( 4 , 28 , 32 – 35 ). However, there is still a lack of understanding of the association between human microbiota signatures and the risk of HNCs, designating new biomarkers in HNCs diagnosis, and the implication of dysbiosis in HNCs therapy.…”