The Association Between Oral Anaerobic Bacteria and Pancreatic Cancer

Reports have shown increased positive correlations with the salivary microbiota and pancreatic carcinogenesis. A European study showed that high levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis were correlated with periodontium damage and were associated with a risk of pancreatic cancer (two-fold). A recent study, using oral mouthwash samples (n = 361 with pancreatic adenocarcinoma), determined that the presence of P. gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans along with Fusobacteria and Leptotrichia were a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. The link between pancreatic cancer and periodontitis has been documented. Interestingly, periodontitis presents with inflammation and microbial dysbiosis, both of which have been characterized in pancreatic cancer. This review highlights multiple roles in which oral anaerobic bacteria can spread to the pancreas and contribute to pancreatic cancer.