27 oral microbes linked to 250% higher pancreatic cancer risk in NYU study

Researchers from NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center have identified 27 bacteria and fungi in oral microbiomes that significantly increase pancreatic cancer risk. The study found that individuals harboring all problematic oral microbes face a 250 per cent higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to the general population.

The research team analyzed saliva samples from 122,000 healthy US participants in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II and the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Participants were monitored for an average of nine years following baseline sample collection.

From the comprehensive dataset, researchers identified 445 participants who developed pancreatic cancer during the study period. Their oral microbial DNA was compared against 445 randomly selected cancer-free individuals, accounting for variables including age, race, and smoking habits.


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The analysis revealed 24 species of bacteria and fungi that either increased or decreased pancreatic cancer risk. Additionally, three bacterial types previously linked to periodontal disease were confirmed as pancreatic cancer risk factors. Individuals with the complete combination of problematic oral microbes showed a 350 per cent higher pancreatic cancer risk.

Candida fungus found in pancreatic cancer tumors

The study represents the first research to identify a specific collection of oral microbes contributing to pancreatic cancer risk. Notably, researchers discovered that Candida yeast species, typically found on skin and throughout the body, play a particular role in cancer development. These oral Candida species were also present in pancreatic tumor tissue samples.

"Our findings provide new insight into the relationship between the oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer," said study lead author Yixuan Meng, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Population Health at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Pancreatic cancer survival rates and early detection challenges

Pancreatic cancer maintains one of the lowest survival rates among common cancers. The American Cancer Society reports that only 8 per cent of pancreatic cancer patients survive beyond five years post-diagnosis. Current screening methods for assessing future pancreatic cancer risk remain limited and largely ineffective.

The research provides a potential breakthrough in pancreatic cancer diagnostics, offering clinicians tools for early intervention before tumor development. Treatment approaches could focus on correcting oral microbiome diversity and species abundance.

Oral hygiene may prevent pancreatic cancer development

"By profiling bacterial and fungal populations in the mouth, oncologists may be able to flag those most in need of pancreatic cancer screening," said study co-senior author Jiyoung Ahn, a professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

While the research establishes correlations between oral microbes and pancreatic cancer, additional studies are needed to determine the mechanisms driving this increased risk. The findings represent the most comprehensive understanding of how oral health contributes to disease development in other body systems.

"It is clearer than ever that brushing and flossing your teeth may not only help prevent periodontal disease but may also protect against cancer," said study co-senior author Richard Hayes, a professor in the Department of Population Health.

Future research on oral microbiome and cancer risk

In 2024, the same NYU research team linked specific oral microbiome species to increased head and neck squamous cell carcinoma risk. Future studies will examine whether oral viruses affect cancer development and determine if certain oral microbes influence pancreatic cancer survival rates.

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The findings contribute to growing evidence connecting oral hygiene to health outcomes throughout the body, including Alzheimer's disease and mental health conditions such as depression. The study was published in JAMA Oncology.

Source: NYU Langone Health