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Review
. 2024 Aug 28;16(17):2997.
doi: 10.3390/cancers16172997.

The Impact of Oral Microbiome Dysbiosis on the Aetiology, Pathogenesis, and Development of Oral Cancer

Jasminka Talapko  1 , Suzana Erić  1   2   3 , Tomislav Meštrović  4   5   6 , Marinka Mravak Stipetić  1 , Martina Juzbašić  1 , Darko Katalinić  1   3 , Sanja Bekić  3   7 , Dora Muršić  1   2 , Josipa Flam  2   3 , Dino Belić  2   3 , Davor Lešić  8 , Rajko Fureš  1   9 , Manda Markanović  10 , Ivana Škrlec  1
Affiliations
Review

The Impact of Oral Microbiome Dysbiosis on the Aetiology, Pathogenesis, and Development of Oral Cancer

Jasminka Talapko et al. Cancers (Basel). .

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck cancer. Although the oral cavity is an easily accessible area for visual examination, the OSCC is more often detected at an advanced stage. The global prevalence of OSCC is around 6%, with increasing trends posing a significant health problem due to the increase in morbidity and mortality. The oral cavity microbiome has been the target of numerous studies, with findings highlighting the significant role of dysbiosis in developing OSCC. Dysbiosis can significantly increase pathobionts (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) that trigger inflammation through their virulence and pathogenicity factors. In contrast, chronic bacterial inflammation contributes to the development of OSCC. Pathobionts also have other effects, such as the impact on the immune system, which can alter immune responses and contribute to a pro-inflammatory environment. Poor oral hygiene and carbohydrate-rich foods can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer. The risk factors and mechanisms of OSCC development are not yet fully understood and remain a frequent research topic. For this reason, this narrative review concentrates on the issue of dysbiosis as the potential cause of OSCC, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved.

Keywords: dysbiosis; inflammation; microbiome; oral cancer; oral cavity; pathobionts.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Interactions between the oral microbiome—the community of oral microorganisms consisting of numerous species of bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa—living in the oral cavity and the host. Adapted and modified from articles [43,44] under the CC BY license.
Figure 2
Figure 2
A depiction of the disruption of the balanced microbial community within the oral cavity (i.e., a dysbiosis of the oral microbiota) leading to carcinogenesis. Alcohol and tobacco have a negative effect on the composition of the oral microbiome and lead to dysbiosis. Oral infections caused by pathogenic bacteria like Fusobacterium and Porphyromonas species elevate cytokine levels and inflammatory factors. This results in chronic inflammation and changes in various molecular signaling pathways that regulate cell metabolism and growth. The substances produced by pathogenic bacteria, including ROS and H2S, induce genetic damage that promotes tumor development. Dysbiosis of the oral biofilm alters the homeostasis of the epithelial barrier and leads to barrier dysfunction. Adapted and modified from an article [43] under the CC BY license.
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