New study reveals certain bacteria are toxic for head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer is currently recognised as the sixth most common cancer globally

Researchers from Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London (KCL) have revealed a certain type of bacteria is toxic for head and neck cancer and could potentially lead to better outcomes for patients.

Published in Cancer Communications, the research was funded by Guy’s Cancer Charity and Cancer Research UK through the City of London Cancer Centre.

Currently the sixth most common cancer globally, head and neck cancers affect around 1,000 people in the UK every month.

When analysing head and neck cancer patients, the team found that those who harboured higher levels of Fusobacterium, which is usually associated with the progression of bowel cancer, had a better prognosis than those with lower levels of the bacteria.

In total, there was a 70% to 99% reduction in the number of viable cancer cells in head and neck cancer cell cultures after being infected with the bacterium, as it destroys the tumour by releasing toxic molecules to reduce its viability.

The findings suggest that the bacterium could act as a potential biomarker for the efficacy of head and neck cancer treatment, and optimise treatment outcomes for patients by helping to develop kinder treatments with fewer side effects.

Senior author Dr Miguel Reis Ferreira, consultant in head and neck cancers, Guy’s and St Thomas’ and senior clinical lecturer at KCL, commented: “This research reveals that these bacteria play a more complex role than previously known in their relationship with cancer – that they essentially melt head and neck cancer cells.

“Next, we want to better understand how we can translate this new knowledge into improvements in the treatment of patients with head and neck, and other cancers.”

In July, KCL researchers participated in the curation of a new policy review published in the Lancet Oncology, along with cancer doctors and experts from across the UK, which revealed the ten biggest challenges currently facing the new UK government.