Cancer
Novel Species of Bacteria Found in Oral Cancer Tissue
By American Society for Microbiology
May 15, 2006, 17:23

For the first time, viable bacteria have been detected in oral cancer tissue say researchers from the United Kingdom. Their findings appear in the May 2006 issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology.

The sixth most common malignancy worldwide, oral cancer is particularly prevalent in developing countries at a rate of 40%. Recent studies show that the reported number of cases of oral cancer is increasing in many parts of the world in both men and women under the age of 45. The current average survival rate of 5 years at all stages is less than 50%, emphasizing the need for new methods of diagnosis and treatment.

In the study twenty deep-tissue samples were collected from patients undergoing surgery for oral cancer. The specimens were harvested from deep within the tumor mass using a fresh blade for each cut. Superficial portions and nontumorous samples were also collected as control specimens and surface contamination was maintained using Betadine and phosphate-buffered saline. Results showed a diverse group of bacteria, including several potentially novel species, of which some were isolated only from either the tumorous or nontumorous tissue.

"To our knowledge this is the first time that viable bacteria have been detected within the tissue of oral squamous cell carcinoma," say the researchers. "The significance of these bacteria within the tumor warrants further study."

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