A recent study conducted by NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center has identified 27 species of bacteria and fungi in the oral microbiome that are associated with a 3.5 times greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Led by Yixuan Meng, PhD, the research analyzed genetic material from the saliva of 122,000 individuals, tracking them over years to identify pancreatic cancer cases. This extensive study, published in JAMA Oncology, highlights the oral microbiome’s potential as a biomarker for pancreatic cancer risk, a novel finding particularly regarding oral fungi like Candida.

The study also noted the correlation between poor oral health and increased pancreatic cancer risk. Through advanced sequencing techniques, the researchers identified microbes that either heightened or reduced cancer risk, with some previously linked to periodontal disease.

By profiling the oral microbiome, the researchers aim to develop a tool for estimating cancer risk, thereby improving screening and preventive strategies. The findings emphasize the importance of oral health interventions and suggest that maintaining good oral hygiene may reduce cancer risk. Further research will explore the role of oral viruses and the microbiome’s impact on cancer survival.

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[Source: GEN, September 18, 2025]

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