Cancer, one of the most dreaded illnesses with a high fatality rate, might have found an unlikely foe. Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that a common type of mouth bacteria can potentially “melt” certain cancers. This revelation could pave the way for revolutionary cancer treatments, particularly for head and neck cancers.
The Bacteria that ‘Melts’ Cancer
The hero of this discovery is a bacteria called Fusobacterium. According to a study by researchers at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London, this bacteria works exceptionally well against certain types of cancer.
The Surprising Findings
Dr. Miguel Reis Ferreira, a consultant in head and neck cancers, led the study. He revealed, “In essence, we found that when you find these bacteria within head and neck cancers, they have much better outcomes.” He added, “In cell cultures, this bacterium is capable of killing cancer.”
Researchers were “brutally surprised” by the bacteria’s apparent ability to kill cancer cells, prompting further investigation into the biological mechanisms behind this phenomenon. “What we’re finding is that this little bug is causing a better outcome based on something that it’s doing inside the cancer. So we are looking for that mechanism at present,” Dr. Ferreira stated.
Bacteria’s Role in Cancer Treatment
This research indicates that Fusobacterium plays a more complex role in its relationship with cancer than previously understood. The bacteria essentially melt head and neck cancer cells. However, this finding should be balanced by their known role in exacerbating cancers such as those in the bowel.
Laboratory studies supported this, showing a dramatic reduction in viable cancer cells after exposure to the bacteria. In some cases, the number of cancer cells dropped by 70 to 99 percent within a few days.
Patient Data and Future Implications
An analysis of patient data from the Cancer Genome Atlas database confirmed these results. Patients with Fusobacterium in their cancer had a 65 percent lower risk of death compared to those without the bacteria. This significant finding suggests that Fusobacterium could play a crucial role in future cancer treatments.
Dr. Anjali Chander, the study’s lead author, described the discovery as a “eureka moment” validated by international colleagues. The research team is now focused on understanding the exact mechanism by which Fusobacterium kills cancer cells, with plans to publish more detailed findings soon.
Story Highlights
- Groundbreaking Discovery: Common mouth bacteria, Fusobacterium, can potentially “melt” certain cancers.
- Effective Against Head and Neck Cancers: The study by Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London highlights the bacteria’s exceptional efficacy.
- Significant Reduction in Cancer Cells: Laboratory studies show a dramatic drop in viable cancer cells after exposure to the bacteria.
- Lower Risk of Death: Patients with Fusobacterium in their cancer had a 65% lower risk of death.
This remarkable discovery opens new avenues for cancer treatment, offering hope for more effective therapies against one of the world’s most feared diseases. Stay tuned for further developments as researchers continue to uncover the mechanisms behind this groundbreaking finding.