Fusobacterium nucleatum and oral cancer: a critical review

86Citations
Citations of this article
110Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

There is a growing level of interest in the potential role inflammation has on the initiation and progression of malignancy. Notable examples include Helicobacter pylori-mediated inflammation in gastric cancer and more recently Fusobacterium nucleatum-mediated inflammation in colorectal cancer. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that was first isolated from the oral cavity and identified as a periodontal pathogen. Biofilms on oral squamous cell carcinomas are enriched with anaerobic periodontal pathogens, including F. nucleatum, which has prompted hypotheses that this bacterium could contribute to oral cancer development. Recent studies have demonstrated that F. nucleatum can promote cancer by several mechanisms; activation of cell proliferation, promotion of cellular invasion, induction of chronic inflammation and immune evasion. This review provides an update on the association between F. nucleatum and oral carcinogenesis, and provides insights into the possible mechanisms underlying it.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

McIlvanna, E., Linden, G. J., Craig, S. G., Lundy, F. T., & James, J. A. (2021, December 1). Fusobacterium nucleatum and oral cancer: a critical review. BMC Cancer. BioMed Central Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-021-08903-4

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free