The Oral Microbiome in the Development of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is an aggressive and rapidly progressive disease. The oral cavity is home to over 700 species of microorganisms that regulate metabolism, immune function, and health. There are three types of mechanisms by which bacteria may participate in carcinogenesis. First, bacteria cause chronic inflammation, which stimulates the production of cytokines, including interleukins, interferons, and tumor necrosis factor. Second, bacteria can interact directly with host cells by secreting toxins or by binding to membrane receptors. Finally, the production of metabolites by bacteria may also contribute to carcinogenesis. The importance of the bacteria level and composition in the transition of oral precancerous lesions to cancer has been demonstrated. The relationships of changes in microbiome composition with smoking, inflammation in healthy individuals, as well as with the development of oral cancer in patients, have been studied.