An international team of scientists has made a ground-breaking discovery that can dissolve certain types of cancer.
The team expressed their surprise upon finding that “Fusobacterium”, a bacterium typically present in the mouth, appears to have the capability to kill certain cancer types.
Researchers from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London are now studying the precise biological mechanisms behind this link after making this initial discovery.
Patient data analysis revealed that those with “Fusobacterium” within their cancers had better survival rates compared to those without the bacteria.
Specifically, the presence of “Fusobacterium” in head and neck cancers was associated with a 65% reduction in the risk of death compared to patients whose tumours did not contain the bacteria.
The researchers hope this discovery will help guide treatment for patients with head and neck cancers, including cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, and sinuses.
Dr Miguel Reis Ferreira, the lead author of the study, noted that before conducting lab work, the team expected “Fusobacterium” to either promote cancer growth or increase resistance to radiotherapy. Instead, they found that the bacterium completely destroys the cancer.
Dr Ferreira added, “We introduce Fusobacterium into the cancer in very low quantities, and it begins to kill the cancer very quickly.”
This groundbreaking discovery holds the potential to significantly impact the treatment and prognosis of head and neck cancer patients, offering new hope for effective cancer therapies.
